You’re gagging for it. It’s 4.45AM.
Something is flashing.
You’ve not slept well for weeks, your head is bristling with the held-back horror of a migraine you’ve been expecting for about the same time.
You look left through bleary eyes ringed with shade
Your partner is lying on one side, their back smooth, irritatingly sanguine. Their chest rising, at least they’re still alive.
Soft snores – only a note of too worse than simply heavy breathing – pierce your night with a disproportionate force. It riles you.
The phone screen flashes again. Is that a green icon you see? Must be a WhatsApp thread. You’d been really hoping plans for tomorrow would materialise out of nowhere.
It’s not the time though, looking will drag you in. You’ll be making a clean break with sleep.
That’s a bit rash. It’s a workday. You’ll be exhausted.
(Speaking of work, how early can someone email you? Is this a thing?)
You’re wider awake now. There’s another flash.
The dawn is peeking through the curtains. Threadbare. Value for money? Not at 5.05AM.
Might you check now?
Maybe.
It’s almost time to wake up anyway.
Go for it. Instagram is really soothing at around this time! Lots of sunrises.
Aagh. Your eyes are dulled by the glare, you’ve been staring in the half light for a moment too long.
Go for it. Swipe, finger print, unlock.
One new WhatsApp message.
It’s from last night.
From Mum.
“Goodnight, too. ”
Mm, those Insta sunrises better be good.
