Beep. Beep. Beep.

I've started hearing that in my dreams recently.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The monotonous tone lurks in my ears. Around every corner.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Is this my fate? Is this what awaits me for the rest of my unremarkable life?

Beep. Beep. Beep.

"Your checkout has been registered. Have a nice day!"

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The fluorescent lights have started to burn patterns in my brain.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

It hurts. Am I going nowhere?

Beep. Beep. Beep.

"Hey! Dude!" The man waves his hand in front of my eyes, "What's the matter with you?"

I blink, "Your checkout has been registered. Have a nice day!" With that I leap and slide over the checkout counter and sprint out of Smith's. I don't stop when the bright, California light burns my eyes. Anything is better than the fake lights. The honks of cars penetrate the busy street. I don't care. Anything is better than the relentless beeping of the scanner.

The air is clean.

The air is fresh.

I feel alive!