Chapter 1
I wake up to the loud, insistent sound of my alarm clock blaring in the early morning. I quickly get out of bed, feeling the coolness of the wooden floor beneath my feet, and make my way to check on Luna, my pet snake. She is comfortably nestled in her spacious, temperature-controlled enclosure filled with cozy bedding and a warm heating lamp, calmly resting in her favorite spot.
“Good morning, Luna," I greet her warmly as I let her coil comfortably onto my forearm, feeling the soft, cool scales against my skin and the subtle pressure of her slender body settling into place.
I gently run my fingers over her shimmering, iridescent scales, feeling their cool, smooth surface before carefully getting dressed. I opt for a loose-fitting tank top to avoid startling or disturbing her. Starting my day with this tender, mindful moment of connection feels deeply meaningful and sets a calm tone for the hours ahead.
As I leave my room, the irresistible aroma of sizzling bacon and sweet maple syrup wafts through the air, instantly making my stomach growl at the anticipation of the delicious and comforting breakfast.
My mom is hovering over the stove as she flips the bacon that is sizzling loudly in the skillet and my father is perched on the recliner like usual as he watches his favorite shows. I decide to settle at the table as I go about my normal routine. it's the same routine that I have used since high school but I can't convince myself to change it. changing the schedule I'm comfortable with would cause unwanted anxiety and less control that I need to feel safe. if I don't feel safe my anxiety will rise. And If my anxiety rises I could have an unwanted meltdown.
So I keep the same schedule as I sit at the table. Earbuds In so that I can listen to the same damn song I've had on loop for the past 24 hours. My mom places a plate in front of me but like usual I avoid eating while it's too hot, she notices.
"Are you Really going to be picky today? I swear you're always like this. nothing is good enough for you is it?" My mom Asks as she sits across from me with her own plate. Her words hit something in me but I take a minute too long to respond. My words get trapped as I struggle with knowing how to respond to her judging tone and words. I fidget with my hands a bit as I try to form a response that would be expected in this kind of situation but my mind remains stuck.
"playing silent today, I see how it is" she says before I can even open my mouth and at this point I don't want to answer. not with that tone and attitude that could easily damage someones self- esteem. So Instead of staying in the dining room I head back to my room. At least there I don't have to worry about constantly being questioned and misunderstood by my behaviors. My room is my safe place, the space I always retreat to when being outside of it is too overwhelming
I get dressed for work as I wait for the food to become room temperature. The uniform fits nicely into place as I adjust it to my liking but like usual there is always something about it that sends my senses into overdrive.
As I finish getting ready I make sure to put Luna back into her in- closure. letting her coil into her favorite spot before I close it and feed her a few crickets. I make sure she looks peaceful before practically scarfing down my food. I then leave the room and head to the car where my parents are waiting. The drive to work is usually filled with them arguing about something. so like usual I put in my earbuds to drown them out. I put my playlist on shuffle this time as I play a mix of soft indie and country that usually helps calm my nerves before a shift. but today is different as the anxiety feels a bit different. it's as if deep down I know something is off. that something very crazy will end up happening
