I nearly shoot out of my bed the second my phone begins to clatter on the nightstand.
[4:15AM]
My brother should still be sleeping.
I'll just get some light exercise before the sun rises.
I'm mindful of how close our rooms are, which is exactly why I lowered the sound of my alarm before I went to sleep.
Thanking myself silently, I shrug on a thin jacket and crack the front door open.
'I should leave a note. Mom and Dad might wake up soon.'
[Went out for a jog, will be back with groceries soon. Ming.]
I scrunch my nose at the imperfect handwriting.
'Sorry didi, it seems your older sister needs some practice too.'
Wedging the note under a cup, I begin lacing up my shoes.
The door shuts with a quick 'chik' and I begin making my way down.
It was strange how cold it could be in the morning, but once the sun came out, the entire city seemed to melt.
I instinctively stuff my hands into my pockets, digging my chin into my jacket to chase any remaining warmth.
I plug my earbuds in, and the dim lights of the buildings around me create a beautiful scene to run in.
Huff. Huff.
After I put aside sports for grades, my stamina's been getting worse.
"Haah."
After around 40 minutes, I slump down onto a park bench. The sun will start to rise within the next hour, so I should hurry.
I take my time walking to a convenience store. The heat in my body slowly slides off of me, and my sweat has dried completely.
Ddding!*
"Hi, welcome!"
I don't even bother to look at the clerk, and simply nod in their direction.
Some eggs, vegetables...instant noodles..?
No, scratch that.
I should be eating better.
"Just these, thank you."
The clerk's hair is hidden by a hat, and they're wearing a black mask. The air quality here does suck, maybe she has some breathing problems?
"Your total will be XX.XX."
"..Yes, here."
I tap my phone against the monitor.
"Ah- It may not work too well, let me do it for you."
She gently lifts the phone out of my hand. She felt so cold.
Ping!
"There we go. Have a nice day, miss!"
"You too."
I can't shake the feeling that I missed something on my list.
* The sound of bells at an entrance when the door opens.