Chapter 102: Chapter 102: Enemies On Both Fronts (Part 2)
The following morning, Don woke up to his ringing alarm, which he had set the previous day for 4:30am.
*Yawn~* He let out tired yawned as he rose up from his bed and sat on the edge, taking a moment to stretch his limbs and look around. 'I don't know why a small part of me thought I'd wake up back in my dorm room.'
Don let out a sigh as he shook off those necessary thoughts and stood up. He grabbed his watch from the dresser and quickly used it to check his schedule as he walked to the wardrobe. "Meditation at 5:00 and then running at 5:30 till 6:30…. Fuck.
This definitely sounded easier in my head, or maybe I'm just being lazy." Don muttered as arrived at the wardrobe before undressing and changing into a bathing towel.
He then left his room and with no surprise he found that he was the only one awake. 'I could wake up Samantha to help me bath, but it's probably better I ask for that later after my run. There's no telling if Summer who has school may wake up soon and disturb the session.'
Don quickly gave up on the idea and went to take a quick shower. His body at this point was feeling much better but the excuse of Samantha bathing was too good of a bonding opportunity to abandon so early.
After the shower, he went back to his room, and after dressing up in some track pants and a hoodie, retrieved his contact lenses. Upon wearing them, he sat on the floor cross legged and asked Gary Assist, "How do I go about the meditation exercise?"
Don sat cross-legged on the floor of his room, feeling the cool surface beneath him as he settled into position.
The early morning light was just beginning to filter through the curtains, casting a soft, pale glow across the room. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting the air fill his lungs before releasing it slowly, allowing the tension to drain from his body.
"Gary Assist," he murmured, "how do I go about the meditation exercise?"
A soft chime sounded in his ear as Gary Assist activated, the calm, artificial voice guiding him. [Begin by focusing on your breathing, Sir. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale through your mouth. Let your mind clear as you concentrate solely on the rhythm of your breath.]
Don followed the instructions, his breath coming in long, deliberate intervals. With each exhale, he imagined the weight of the world lifting from his shoulders, replaced by a sense of calm and clarity.
[Now, shift your focus to your surroundings,] Gary Assist continued. [Feel the air around you, notice the subtle sounds of the morning, the way the light touches your skin. Allow yourself to become aware of the present moment, nothing more.]
Don's awareness expanded, his senses sharpening as he listened to the faint rustling of leaves outside, the distant chirp of birds greeting the dawn. He could even hear the gentle sounds of the house, the creak of the floorboards settling as the building adjusted to the morning's coolness. Each sound was distinct, yet together they formed a soothing symphony of life waking up around him.
[Good,] Gary Assist praised before providing more instructions. [Now, visualize your goals. See yourself achieving what you desire—strength, control, mastery. Picture it vividly in your mind's eye, as if it's already within your grasp.]
Images began to form in Don's mind: him mastering his abilities, surpassing obstacles with ease, gaining the strength and power he sought in this new life. The vision was clear, almost tangible, and it filled him with a sense of purpose.
[Hold onto that image,] Gary Assist instructed, [and let it ground you. Remember this feeling of focus and clarity, and carry it with you throughout the day.]
After a few more moments of deep breathing and visualization, Gary Assist's voice gently brought him back. [Whenever you're ready, you may open your eyes.]
Don slowly opened his eyes, feeling a deep sense of calm and readiness. The room looked the same, but something inside him had shifted—a sense of centeredness that he knew would serve him well.
He stood up, stretching out his limbs as the last traces of sleepiness left his body. "Gary Assist," he said, "can you outline a safe route for my run?"
[Of course, Sir,] Gary Assist responded smoothly. [A route has been outlined on your phone. I recommend carrying it with you and wearing your contact lenses for real-time directions. The earbuds are optional if you wish to listen to music or receive verbal cues.]
Don considered the options briefly, deciding against the earbuds. He had no particular taste in the music of this world, and he preferred to stay attuned to his surroundings during the run. "I'll stick with the lenses. Let's keep it simple."
[Very well,] Gary Assist acknowledged. [You're all set. Safe travels.]
Don nodded, slipping his phone into his pocket and heading toward the door. It was just a little after 5:34 when he stepped out of his room, but before he left, he grabbed a sticky note and scribbled a quick message: *Gone jogging for an hour.* He stuck it on the door where it would be easily visible.
'Better safe than sorry,' he thought. Samantha worried easily, and while he doubted anyone would knock on his door this early, it was worth covering his bases.
Satisfied, Don made his way downstairs, the house still shrouded in the quiet of early morning. He opened the front door and stepped outside, the cool, crisp air greeting him as he descended the steps.
He took a deep breath, savoring the freshness of the air, and then began jogging down the walkway. The sound of his feet hitting the pavement, coupled with the faint rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds, created a calm backdrop as he settled into his pace.
The contact lenses guided him subtly, a faint overlay of arrows and markers in his field of vision indicating turns and paths to take.
'All set.'