Complicated Fairytale

The blare of my alarm ripped me from a much-needed sleep. Six a.m. came too early, a constant reminder of the demanding work that awaited. Yawning, I dragged myself out of bed and into the shower, the mundane routine a stark contrast to the dreams of a life that felt increasingly out of reach.
After dressing in my usual black dress pants and a pink button-up blouse, I headed to the kitchen, the scent of coffee a beacon in the quiet apartment. Just as the first sip hit my tongue, the front door swung open, and in stumbled Darby Madison, my best friend. Her blonde hair was a chaotic mess, and she clutched her heels in her hand, a tell-tale sign of another late night.
“Doing the walk of shame early this morning, aren’t you, Dar?” I teased, a grin spreading across my face. She just groaned, cementing the familiar rhythm of our mornings.
