The Phone Alarm

Lena sets an alarm for six thirty. She wants to run before work. In the morning, the alarm rings, but she presses stop and falls back to sleep.

At seven, she wakes again and sits up fast. She laughs at herself and ties her shoes. Outside, the street is quiet and the sky is pink.

Lena runs for fifteen minutes and breathes slowly. Back at home, she drinks water and eats an apple. She writes a note: 'Do not stop the alarm.' She feels ready for the day.