Transition Strange Friends Azana W. ’21 I feel a cool breeze from the window blow on my face, and that is my first alarm clock. I’m up, but do I want to get up? The short answer is no. I pull the covers over my head in an attempt to hit snooze. As I settle in bed, ready to have round two of sleep, I hear a shaky voice yell, “Questttt. Quest, wake up baby.” I know who the voice is, but I stay under the covers in hopes that my second alarm clock would leave me be. The second voice yells, “QUESTT! GET UP! YOUR LATE!” I shoot up to see my elderly neighbors looking through my window. Ever since I left Portland at 21 to pursue my dreams of being a famous musician, they have indirectly been my parents. The one with the softer voice is named Ms. Rose. She is much gentler than the louder voice, Ms. Stone. Ms. Stone has a stoic look and never sugar coats anything, I appreciate her honesty though. From the sentences I exchange with them, I can tell they have been best friends forever. Ms. Rose bakes cookies on Sunday evenings, and Ms. Stone plays an aggressive game of dominos with other neighbors who are complete opposites. But, from the laughs echoing from their apartment, I know they wouldn’t have it any other way. I look at them with an awkward smirk and say, “I’m up! Thanks Ms. Stone and Ms. Rose.” I get up and run to my closet, but not without tripping over the spread of sheet music and lyrics I was working on last night. I slip on one of the new music sheets, ripping it completely in half and flinging the rest up into the air. I sigh and say, “Man, I can’t be bothered with this. Did I pack lunch last night? Where’s my phone?” I knew it was gonna be a long morning. Despite such a hectic morning, I manage to get dressed in the spiffiest suit. I am late to work, but I don't care, as long as I am dressed to impress. I show up to work in the record shop with coffee in hand. My boss looks at me and says, “You’re late. I’m not surprised, just annoyed.” “Hey, but I brought your favorite coffee,” I say, with a smile on my face. My boss is always mad that I’m late, but with a nice smile and a coffee, he gets over it easily.
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