Before she even wakes up the swelling in her joints burns hot. The day begins with unfettered control and not in any need of permission from anyone. The sun begins to peek over the equator as the alarm flashes 7:00 AM. A young woman opens her eyes as she hears her alarm screaming next to her. She doesn’t move. It hurts too much right now. Just a few minutes longer, she pines silently.
In one hour Ketzalina has to be at work. Fortunate to have a job — waitressing at a local restaurant — she knows she has to get up and turn off the alarm...