Distracted Is An Understatement Still Writing

The sunlight streams through Marilena's curtains, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow. Max, her scruffy terrier, stirs at the foot of her bed, yawning noisily before trotting up to her side. His wet nose nudges her arm insistently, as if to say, "It's time to get up!"

Marilena groans softly, her body heavy with the weight of another restless night. She stretches an arm out to her phone on the bedside table and squints at the screen. The time reads 6:32 AM. She sighs.

"Alright, Max, I'm up. You win," she mumbles, sitting up and ruffling his fur. He wags his tail triumphantly, his entire body vibrating with excitement.

Dragging herself out of bed, Marilena pads to the bathroom, her steps slow and deliberate. As she splashes cold water on her face, she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Dark circles shadow her eyes, and her usually vibrant expression feels muted.

"Get it together," she whispers to her reflection.