A Deadly Sin

The sun lances my eyes through a half-closed blind and I rumble, grumpily, leaning up slightly to take a glance at the clock. 8:32. I'm late for work.

"Oh well," I mumble blearily, rolling onto my side to shut out the offending sunbeams. I have a dim feeling that I should be worried about this. Had Dave said something about me being late? But with the blankets snuggled around my form and my pillow perfectly soft, I just can't quite bring myself to care.

"Oh well." I yank the blanket over my head, but notice something strange on my wrist. A dark mark, like a tattoo has appeared there. Examining it through sleep-clotted eyes, I make out a design of a furry creature with long arms that end in strange, curved claws. I know its name, but I can't quite bring myself to recollect.

"Oh well." Underneath the covers, I detect a strange, smoky smell. Looking up, I see the door of my bedroom, but it's strange. Spots of it are turning black, paint peeling away, and black clouds and orange light are spilling from underneath. My house is on fire. I should run, escape. But I can't quite bring myself to move.

"Oh well." As the flames begin to lick at my skin, I stare at the strange animal once more. The heat hurts, but I'm not exceptionally bothered. It's kind of like a blanket, after all. Memory suddenly drifts into focus, and I remember the name of my animal.

"Sloth," I mumble, engulfed in flames. "How cute."