Lydia cracked her eyes open to see daylight dripping in through the cracks of the curtains, and shoved a pillow over head.
But sleeping more was no use. Her brain had already started spinning and rotating thinking about the day to come. She silently cursed the person who's car alarm kept going off all night.
She reluctantly sat up on the stiff hotel mattress. Her dog, Max, who hadn't slept all night, but instead charged towards the door at every sound, was immediately in her face, wagging his tail, ready to go potty. She slipped on her shoes, through a jacket on and headed out.
Once she returned, she showered quickly, nervous she would miss the free breakfast. A nice hot belgian waffle was the one thing she knew would put her back on track.
But as she made her to the tiny lobby, it was packed. All ten tables were full, and there was a line to the waffle maker.
Her eyes narrowed at the crowd, frustrated so many people were staying at the same hotel.
She elbowed her way towards the juice station, filled a small Styrofoam cup, and as she turned over her shoulder, she bumped right into the back of a barrel chested man standing entirely too close, splashing the juice all down the front of her shirt. She wanted to scream!
"Oh, Lydia! I didn't know you were staying here too." the man said turning around oblivious to Lydia's expression of rage. She quickly pulled herself together as she recognized who he was. He was the reason she was here.
"I can't wait to hear the inspirational speech you're giving this afternoon!" he said. "Isn't it titled How To Not Let the Small Irritations Keep You Down?" he said grinning. "If you're as motivationl as they say you are, I know it will be worth the price! I certainly know I need to hear it, my car alarm would not stop going off, and I was up all night!"
Thank you so much for reading! If you're interested in trying a freewrite, please visit 