The alarm clock rang at exactly 6:00 a.m., loud and sharp, cutting through the early morning silence like it had something to prove.
From under the thick blankets, a hand crawled out, slow and clumsy, like a zombie rising from the grave. It fumbled for a second before slamming the alarm clock with a solid thud, like it had some unfinished business with it.
A tired yawn followed from beneath the covers. The blanket shifted and slid off, revealing a young man around twenty-two years old. He had a lean build, not too muscular, but not weak either. His hair was a mess, sticking out in random directions, and his half-open eyes screamed of sleep still clinging to him. He yawned again, rubbing his face like he was trying to wake up from the dead.
His eyes flicked to the calendar on the wall. Friday. The last day before the weekend.
A familiar heaviness settled over him, practically begging him to sink back into bed. "If I skip today, that's three days off in a row…".
The thought was tempting, way too tempting. Not that it would be his first time. He'd already been out for three days straight, thanks to his world-class procrastination skills. If there was a title for it, he'd probably be the reigning champion by now.
But today wasn't like the others. He had an assignment due. One he couldn't push back any longer. No more excuses.
He shook off the dizziness and got out of bed, grabbing the towel hanging nearby. Without much thought, he headed to the washroom.
About thirty minutes later, Rix stepped out of the bathroom, towel draped around his neck, drying his hair with lazy strokes. The steam still clung to his skin, and the sharp contrast of cold air made him shiver slightly.
As he moved through his room, his eyes landed on the family photo hanging on the wall. A small, genuine smile tugged at his lips.
Four faces beamed back at him--his mom, dad, his younger sister, and him. That moment captured something warm.
He paused for a second, letting the smile linger.
Just then, his phone buzzed on the table.
He didn't even need to check. He already knew who it was, With a soft chuckle, he picked it up and answered, bringing it to his ear.
"Yes, Mom."
"Well, well… someone sounds way too cheerful this morning. Did you actually wake up early today, or are you just pretending because I called?"
"Of course I did," Rix replied, sitting on the edge of his bed. "I'm a very responsible student, you know that, right?"
"Yeah, yeah, I know… which is exactly why I check on you every day," she said with a chuckle. "You are going to college regularly, right? No slacking off?"
Rix hesitated for a second, but kept his tone light, "Of course I did, Mom. I've been up and ready for college.
She chuckled, clearly pleased. "That's my boy. I know living alone isn't easy, but I'm so proud of how you're managing everything.
Rix smiled, forcing a casual, innocent tone. "Mom, come on. You know me. I've been attending everything. You don't have to worry so much."
Her voice softened with affection. "I know, I know. You've always been the sincere one. I trust you, Rix. Still, I can't help checking in you're all alone there, and it's a mother's instinct."
He leaned back, guilt tugging at him slightly, but he kept the smile in his voice. "I get it, and I'm really fine. Everything's going smoothly."
She sighed, clearly comforted. "That's all I need to hear."
Rix was quiet for a moment, then asked gently, "And what about you, Mom? How are you really doing?
There was a pause. "Oh, you know me," she said brightly. "Running around, working, managing the home, checking in on you... same old. It's a lot, but I'm hanging in there."
He could hear the tiredness behind her cheer. "You sure you're okay?"
"I have to be," she said, her voice steady. "This is for you. For all of us. We came here to build a better life, and knowing you're doing well makes it all worth it."
Rix's chest tightened with guilt. He asked, steering the conversation away. "How's Dad holding up? Still drowning in meetings?"
She chuckled. "You know your father. He leaves early, comes back tired, but he's doing his best. He misses you.
Rix smiled faintly. "And Siya?" Rix asked. "Still bossing everyone around?"
"Oh, more than ever," she said with a groan. "She's adjusted well to the new school, but the attitude came with her. The girl acts like she runs this apartment. She pretends not to care, but she brings up your name at least twice a day."
Rix laughed. "I miss that little trouble machine."
"Alright, I won't keep you. I just wanted to hear your voice and check in." she said softly.
"I'm glad you called," Rix said, his voice gentle.
"Take care of yourself, okay?" she said. "And don't forget to eat something proper, not just cup noodles."
"I will. Promise," he replied with a grin, guilt still lingering in his chest.
"Alright then. I'll talk to you soon."
"Love you, Mom."
"Love you more, my good boy."
"Bye."
After the phone call finished, Rix sighed, got up from the bed, placed the phone on the table, and started getting ready.
He walked to the door and pulled it open. For now, he was living alone at home. Since his house was close to the college, he didn't have to stay in a regular dorm like most students. So, he chose to stay in his own place instead.
The house was a modest two-story home, with one bedroom on the ground floor and two more tucked away upstairs. It had all the essentials you'd expect--a cozy dining hall, a functional kitchen, and a couple of bathrooms scattered across both floors, making it feel just l, ju