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I open my eyes, the patterns of sleep still swirling at the edges of my vision. Bold, red LED lights to my left read 5:53 am, almost time to wake up and start my routine.
I feel automated as I brush my teeth, shower and eat breakfast. Everything seems like it’s behind a wall of fog, even the sugary Nutella spread on my toast seems surreal. Dressed and ready to leave, I exit my apartment and start my commute to work.
It seems normal as I walk down the worn sidewalk to the bus stop, avoiding the cracks like I always do and taking care not to step on anything. The bus stop is empty as I approach it which shocks me, there’s always people waiting with me here. I stare at the bench and booth plastered with old graffiti and PSA posters until the feeling disappears. I look around me, and realize.
>I’m alone
