Chapter 1 The start of the Day

As the Sun rose from the dimly lit horizon, Jacob opened his bloodshot eyes. As he slowly unfolded himself from the chaotic mess of blankets and pillows, he opened the window to indulge in the fresh air. A glimmer of a smile appeared on Jacob’s face as he inhaled the freezing air in his lungs. As he exhaled the bone-chilling air from his lungs, what dimly remained of a smile, faded from his face as he mumbled to himself, “I wish the night were a bit longer...”

That would be a normal response for a human being, but after spending another night with barely any sleep for the third time, he desperately wanted this to be true.

He slowly crawled out from the double bed that was clearly too big for him. As he got ready for the day, he opened the fridge to see nothing, but a half-empty carton of milk. When was the last time he went out to get groceries?

He grabbed the partially empty carton of milk, drank the entire box in one giant gulp, and then placed the empty carton back in the fridge. Taking out the trash was the least of his concerns.

Then he took a shower, brushed his teeth, and got ready for work. He felt the chilling air, it almost felt like it was telling him to stay home, but this was the day he would be reunited with her. He was ready. He took a deep breath and walked out from his front porch without even caring to lock his door.  Jacob looked at the house like it was the last time he was going to see it, then he drove off to his work.

Jacob worked as a normal businessman, not so exceptional in any way. He was nominated as the worker of the month once or twice, but just because the company felt the need to make things more random. Nor did he enjoy this achromatic workplace he worked in. In his opinion “This office feels like it’s been designed by a depressed and unpaid painter, who only had black and white paints to color this whole place.” And he still stood by this claim.

Once he entered the building, he was greeted by a familiar smell. A hint of coffee aroma which he always thought was disturbing and annoying, but after these days it felt plesently refreshing. He took his seat then looked at his table to see no change whatsoever.

It was just how he left it, a bit of dust was visible yes, but other than that the desk looked exactly how he left it. Ten paper cups of coffee, a computer screen that covered a large portion of his table, and a photograph of the happiest day in Jacob’s life, a life that he knew he’ll never get back, a life that’ll stay as nothing but a distant part of his memory…

Jacob sat down and waited for his computer to start, as he did so suddenly from one of the desks came a loud thud Jacob was so startled by it, instinct kicked in and he turned his head towards the origin of the ruckus. When he did so a figure was quickly and aggressively moving towards Jacob.

He squinted his eyes and then froze up right on that spot. It was the last person who he wanted to meet in this decrepit work place.

He stood up from his chair then looked into her eyes.

“Lots of nerves coming back here without a proper hello.”

Jessica snarled

“Well, you know it’s not like I owe you a notification that I’m here, I have the employee's card reader for that.”

Jacob responded.

The two then engaged in a stalemate that heated up the atmosphere around them, that other employees could almost cut the thick atmosphere that slowly clogged them from their work.

It was Jessica who broke the stalemate first, with one simple act.

She held out her hand towards Jacob.

Jacob, who had had enough of this tom-foolery, reciprocated her gesture by hugging her back.

“It’s been a long time, what were you doing!”

“I’ve been busy with some stuff…”

“Well I’m glad you're back, it’s quite hard working in this boring place all on my own!”

Then they caught up on the things that Jacob had missed, a few small talks here and there, and for a moment Jacob felt like he was a part of this world, well for a moment at least.

Soon enough, Jacob’s computer started to beep into life signaling the end of their conversation.

“It was fun talking with you again.”

Jessica spoke in a hardy laughter

“Yeah it was… nice.”

Jacob's face changed for a second with a bitter smile.

“Are you okay?”

Jessica asked concerningly.

“Yeah I’m okay“

He smiled, but couldn’t bring himself to look into her eyes.

“You know, we’re throwing a wild party tonight if you’d like to come…”

Jacob shook his head.

“No, I think I’ll be okay. You know how 5 days of workload is like~”

Jessica smiled.

“Well at least it’s nice to see you on your feet again.”

Jessica signed with relief.

“Good luck on your work load then~”

Jessica waved her hand then returned to her seat.

Jacob was glad that he had a friend like Jessica. She was there when he was at his lowest moment, her company was what made that day somewhat bearable to him…

At least for a second…

As Jacob continued to think, his computer finally turned itself on, and as soon as the computer’s screen was on, Jacob was only fixated on the work he had. The other workers approached him during break and asked things like

“What were you doing the last five days?” or “Are you okay?”

However, Jacob didn’t answer, the only thing that he could do was to type away. So he did just that.

Soon after the others just stopped caring.

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