A Typical Day – A Short Story The shrill screams of my alarm echo off the vermillion-painted walls, stirring my consciousness into a state of awareness. It's eight o'clock sharp, on a hot summer Monday; the distant cries of mockingbirds can be heard above the gentle drone of cars passing on our genteel residential street. My ears scan the house; it’s quiet – barely a sound other than the jingle of tags as our pets navigate the living room. The still morning air brought awareness, without children running around. Mother must have already left for work. Never leaving my lax position, I stretch and sigh, it's nice not to have to watch my sister's children – my nieces and my nephew – but the mornings when my mother still kissed me to say goodbye I miss seeing each other again. the purple silk duvet and flop down in the living room. The green and red print of our family's southwest-style sofa stands out boldly against the deep blue of the opposing chairs, calling me to it. Of course, I oblige the restless haven, dropping abruptly and curling up on the cushions, ignoring the faint smell of smoke clinging to the fabric. My concentration fades for a moment, allowing my mind to relax and unwind from all the treacherous dreams of the night before, until I hear the telltale creak of the door hinges. My eyes open slightly to see my father dressed in smart brown pants and a deep earth-colored t-shirt, his graying hair and beard neatly groomed. He places his appointment book and hair products in a bag near the door signaling the fast-approaching departure time. Soon he's parading past the door with ever-fading whispers of "I love you, kid" and "be nice." The second my dad leaves for his rental space...... middle of paper...... going to Travis Early College High School is the fact that I have the honor of taking classes with our partner school, San Antonio College. I'm in the first class through Travis's door and have already taken eight classes. When the time comes, I absent-mindedly transfer buses for the remainder of my hour-long trip, which I will take Monday through Thursday until July 8. The beige doors of Travis are welcoming as I step off the bus, but I have to walk through the cool and intimidating doors of SAC today – to learn about mass communications. From that moment on, my day went smoothly, I listened attentively to my teacher, actively took notes and participated until my dismissal. Then I take the bus home and prepare to start the cycle again the next day, and the day after that, until the scorching summer heat turns into a gentle late summer breeze..