Morning!

3

8:13 a.m.

The moment I'm through the door of my small, one-bedroom apartment, I toss my work bag on a chair and head straight for the kitchen. My one cup of coffee got me started, but now I need more.

Despite the fact that I've been up all night, I start a fresh pot of coffee. While it's brewing, I root through my freezer, looking for anything to eat. I haven't gone grocery shopping in weeks, but last time I saw mom, she loaded me up with handfuls of pre-cooked frozen meals. They are all but gone now, but I do manage to find a breakfast burrito near the back. Pulling it out, I rip off the foil and stick the burrito into the microwave.

Now that I have both coffee and food on the way, I lean against the counter, checking my phone. A message from my mom, a drunk text from my brother that makes me roll my eyes. There isn't much going on on Twitter, so I pull up TikTok. It's a mindless and easy distraction while I wait for my food.

When the burrito is finally warmed through and I'm on my second cup of coffee, I settle on my sofa. I don't bother with the TV, wanting to sit in silence for a while as I eat. I've been a cop for just over a year now, and though it's had it's challenges, there have been some amazing aspects of it as well. It's what I've always wanted to do, and it is so gratifying to actually get to live the dreams I've had for years.

My phone buzzes just as I take the last bites of the burrito. I stuff it in my mouth before looking at the caller.

Rolling my eyes, I answer the phone. "You know, no one calls anymore," I say through a partially full mouth.

"I didn't get that, man. You sound like you're choking on a dick."

I roll my eyes at my brother who has notoriously always given me this kind of shit.

"What do you want?" I ask, swallowing the bite.

Jasper sighs. "Nothing man. I was just wondering if you wanted to try to shop for mom's birthday gift today."

I wince. Fuck, mom's birthday is coming up this Sunday and I still haven't found her anything.

"I just got off shift," I say through a yawn. "Maybe we can shop tomorrow."

"Can't tomorrow," Jasper says, quickly. "I've gotta do inventory at work."

Jasper has been running one of the most popular bars in the city for years now. It's been a nice connection to have when I want to get a drink with friends.

"Fuck. Well, can we do it Sunday morning before her party?"

Jasper snorts. "Man, I don't know about you, but I'm not putting mom's gift off like that again. Don't you remember last year?"

I wince as I recall the disaster of panic shopping an hour before her party. God bless that woman's heart, because she still wore the tacky as hell apron Jasper and I ended up getting her.

"She deserves more," I say, leaning my head back on the sofa. Jasper hums. "All right, well, you go today. Let me know if you find anything good and if not, I'll go tomorrow."

Jasper grunts. "Letting me do all the work, I see how it is."

I roll my eyes. "Get a fucking grip, Jas. I'm getting her something too," I point out. I can practically hear him rolling his eyes.

"Yeah, whatever. All right, I'll let you know what I come up with."

I nod, my eyes falling shut. "Sounds good, man. I'll talk to you later."

We hang up, and within minutes, I'm passed out on my sofa.