A high pitched electronic beep resounded in the kitchen.

My head turned towards the rice cooker, the timer was almost done and it was time to make the curry rice stuffing. I poured the leftover curry into the pot and stirred it while adding a knob of butter to make the mix slightly richer. I then closed the pot to let it cook and finish.

I cracked the two eggs into a mixing bowl and seasoned it with a pinch of salt and pepper, I poured a quarter cup of milk and whisked everything until the egg mixture became bubbly.

"Hmm… the curry is yellow and the eggs are yellow. There should be some fresh greens. Ein, Let's make today's lunch look good too!" I headed off to my flat's balcony and scouted for fresh produce.

Four years ago, an epidemic hit the nation, it was a highly contagious respiratory ailment and the government urged all citizens to stay at home and quarantine themselves to ensure their safety. Due to it, there were shortages on fresh produce coming into the city and food prices inflated to unreasonable rates.

It was frustrating, and that fueled my motivation to grow my own food.

Although years have passed since I started, it has become a productive and enjoyable pastime during quarantine. Eventually, it became a routine for me. My current neighbours followed suit as well and turned their balconies into gardens. On weekends, we would meet and swap vegetables or herbs with each other. the landlord would sometimes see our barters and he would call us the balcony farmers.

I collected a small bundle of chives, sprigs of basil, a head of lettuce, and a bunch of cherry tomatoes, I then plucked a medium-sized lemon from my potted lemon tree.

"Fresh tomato and basil salad go well with egg dishes. Ein, your lunch set will be delicious!" My heart skipped with joy as I headed back into the kitchen.

A soft, rhythmic chime rang from the kitchen counter.

My head turned towards the rice cooker, it looked like the timer was done. I immediately opened the pot and took out the curry rice to cool.

I then cleaned and trimmed the herbs and vegetables collected from the garden. I pulled and tore apart the lettuce into bite-sized portions, chopped the chives finely and plucked the basil leaves and the tomatoes from their sprigs. Afterwards, set them aside in a large mixing bowl.

<BEEP BEEP BEEP>

A 2nd alarm resounded from my phone, time was now 7:30 AM. It was almost time for me to get ready for work, I had to act fast so I won't be late to work.

I took out the pan from the cupboard and preheated it on the stovetop. I then placed a knob of butter and waited for it to melt. While waiting, I turned my attention to the salad. I dressed it with a pinch of salt, pepper a swig of olive oil, and squeezed the freshly picked lemon over it. I tossed it quickly and got back to the pan. The butter has now melted and is bubbling away.

It was time to make the omelette. Pouring the egg mixture into the pan and spreading it around, then forming a flat omelette. I swiftly grabbed the curry rice stuffing that was set aside earlier and placed it at the centre of the omelette. I gently tilted the pan and slowly folded the eggs to cover the rice, thankfully the eggs did not tear and held its shape as I flipped the omelette and placed it on a plate.

”Good job, Ein! You finally managed to make a proper omelette! You're getting better at this, nice!”

I rejoiced and took a quick photo of it as proof of good luck.

<BEEP BEEP BEEP>

The 3rd alarm rang. It was now 7:45 AM, it was time to wash up and dress for work. Now I really need to double time as the possibility of arriving late to work was high.

I quickly packed the salad and the omelette into the lunchbox and filled up my water flask, then, grabbed my work bag and pushed the lunchbox and flask inside and set it on the table. I took the dishes, utensils, and the pan to the washer and sprinted to the bedroom to grab my Monday attire. While passing through the kitchen, I quickly glanced at the time.

The clock displayed the current time, it was now 7:55 AM.

Fuck.

"Ein, why the hell did you take your sweet time cooking up a good lunch? Do you not value your perfect attendance record since entering the company? I value it, but the food is food and good food takes time!"

Screw this, why am I beating myself up after doing a good job. I should get my shit straight, I don't want a stain of tardiness on my impeccable attendance.

Today might be the day when a marathon bather will be born. If Guinness had a record of 33 seconds for the shortest bath, that record will be conquered today. I then scurried towards the bathroom to finish the rest of my morning rituals in record time. I wore my suit as fast as I could and did a final mirror check.

"Good, everything has been neatly worn, no crooked ties here, and creased collars!" I quickly combed my fringes up as there were stray black hair strands sticking out from my forehead.

"Not bad, let's go to work Ein."

I yanked my duffle bag from the table, flicked my phone's screen, disabled aeroplane mode, and hurriedly booked a ride to work. I then left my flat and went down the lobby to wait for my ride's arrival.

'Hopefully, there won't be any traffic or accidents along the way… If I reach the hotel like the usual time, I would have ten minutes left to spare.' I glanced at my smartwatch, it was now 8:17 AM and my ride is scheduled to come in four minutes.

'Think positive thoughts Ein…. You won't be late! trust yourself, you did your best and you will make it!' I softly mumbled to myself and clasped my hands as if to pray.