He was sleeping like a rock when he heard a loud, piercing siren in his head. Damn. Did I forget to turn off my alarm clock? Ric pulled his plush down pillow over his head and squeezed his eyes shut tight at the irritating noise. His brain was too sleep deprived, and he was not thinking clearly. The shrieking alarm was so loud that Ric raised his head suddenly while glancing at his alarm clock. It read seven forty-five in bright green neon. His dark drapes were pulled closed, but he could see the sunlight filtering in through the cracks. Then, as if he was knocked over the head with a cast-iron skillet, he jumped out of the bed at the sound of the building’s fire alarm. “Shit. Pres!” he yelled. Ric stumbled out of his bedroom, shirtless, and ran full speed to his front door. He unlocked the locks and slung the door open so hard the knob hit the wall and went into the drywall. Ric noticed the entire floor’s tenants were moving quickly to the ends of the hallways.
