Running Out the Clock

Jogged back through the screen flap to get my soles off the pavement and scrambled straight up to the bedroom nightstand! Sitting right on a thick cork coaster was a clear glass hourglass packed with vivid neon-orange sand. You think I’m sleeping without an official countdown? Zero chance. I wrapped both arms around the narrow glass waist, dug my sneakers into the cork, and heaved with all my weight. FLIP! The heavy globe inverted with a soft clunk. A steady stream of bright orange grains began drizzling into the bottom bulb, pattering like silent static. I dropped down with my back against the glass curve, crossed my kicks, and watched the sand bury the day.