Mikoto
The soothing aroma of black coffee filled the air. Ahh... "Master Mikoto," coaxed the butler as he set down a tray of coffee, "Don't you think it's time for you to get some rest? It's nearly 3am, sir." While still typing, I looked up from the laptop that rested on my lap. "I have some matters I must deal with. Thank you for the coffee, Hendrick. You may take your leave," I answered. I looked back to my work as the butler nodded and started towards the door. When Hendrick reached the doorway, he turned to face me. "Master?" "Yes Hendrick?" "Do take better care of yourself," he said in a concerned voice. I sat aside my laptop briefly and smiled innocently, "Hendrick, I just need to finish this one thing. I assure you I will go to sleep right after I finish this project, okay?" I made care to put extra emphasis on 'Promise'. With a soft chuckle he responded, "Toyotomi Mikoto, don't you try to pull that one on me. After the many years of working for you, I know you all too well." After a moment of light laughter, Hendrick left the room. "Goodnight Master Mikoto..." "Goodnight Hendrick." Then the sound of the key board once again filled the room. After what I thought to be fifteen minutes or so, I checked my wrist watch. "6am?? Just great... Hendrick is going to give me the silent treatment again," I muttered under my breath. Briskly, I pack my laptop and paperwork into my brief case. Slinging a towel across my shoulder, I headed to the bathroom. With a click, I shut the door. I undressed while the water heated. Steam rose from the shower. I sighed in contentment as I stood under the stream. Hot water cascaded down my body. All the tension seemed to slowly melt away, like the pain was washed away with the bubbles. For a second I could just breathe. Ahhh haaa...
Sakura
Buzz-buzz...
Buzz-buzz...
7am?? Already?? A loud groan escaped my lip as the rhythmic vibrations and sound of "Barnyard Roosters" from my phone chorused. My head felt like someone tied a 20lb weight to it, my stomach churned, and the entirety of my body ached. Why did I ever go to the club? Who's stupid idea was that? Lazily, I swiped the phone sending myself into a fifteen minute snooze. I sank deeper into my pillows and clutched my covers. In that moment, it was just me and my blanket. Drifting of to sleep, suddenly the stresses of life were long gone. Worries were far from sight. Obligations, expectations, and pressure no longer existed. Peace? Nah... It couldn't be. Or is it? Indeed it was peace. Unfortunately, you can't sleep away your life. Even I couldn't escape my reality. It would soon be all too true...