BANG!
Perhaps from the force of the blow, the alarm clock tumbled off the desk and clattered onto the floor.
But the ringing was persistent.
A few seconds later.
A disheveled boy of about fifteen or sixteen poked his head out from under the covers, then sat up in bed.
The boy slipped on his slippers, walked over, and bent down to pick up the clock. He shut it off and set it aside.
He strolled to the window and pulled open the curtains.
In an instant, a faint light filled the once-dim room.
Lifting his gaze, he looked into the distance. The inky black canopy of the night sky was gradually receding.
The eastern horizon was turning the color of a fish's belly.
Soon, a massive, crimson sun slowly peeked over the horizon.
Like a newborn babe, its rays pierced the morning mist between the high-rises, casting a warm glow upon the boy's face.
"Praise be to the great Sun God, for you grant us warmth and light!"
