Are you ready?

– Are you ready for work?

It was a new day in the old life. He began to reach for his clothes, unmotivated as usual, but not giving that feeling much thought. It was merely his old depression kicking in, nothing to overreact for. Depression came and went like the seasons. Perhaps only in more frequent fits, but still, a seasonal thing.

– Are you ready for work?

His mind was driven by the sole need to keep on. Wounded flesh could not stop this man. Not even a broken bone was enough to interrupt him. His environment built very well the urge to produce regardless of outside conditions. Might I add, inside conditions as well.

– You need to wake up, chop-chop.
– I think I have broken spirit.
– No, you haven't.
– What explains this lack of motivation?
– You are lazy, it's all.
– I am not... Need I go today?
– You'd better.
– I am not my usual self.
– My dear, you have no self.

His mind took control of that particular situation, thwarting any hopes of change in that particular morning. Muffling the opposition with desperation for the uncertain future would do, as usual.

– What are you doing?
– I want no future.
– Yes you do.
– You don't speak for me.
– Oh, I do.
– Leave me be.
– I don't think this is going to happen.
– Well, this is.
– What...?

The gray morning had been painted red.