It’s always 3 AM, isn’t it? Never midnight when sound sleep is still possible nor 5 when the alarm is so near. No, 3 AM.
I pad across the frigid floor, silent from habit and sidle up to a window.
A few lights in the neighboring apartments. Why are they up? Is it a late night, an early morning or can’t they sleep either?
I watch a storm approach, the lightning dancing over the dark city, a treat for us special, lonely few, but it only fuels my mood.
4:30.
I sigh and get back into the cold, empty bed.
***
word count = 100
Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This week’s prompt is here and uses a photo by @ Na’ama Yehuda. If you want to join or see other stories, go to the inlinkz linkup.
Trent's World (the Blog) 
I saw someone trying to come to terms with loneliness – there was resentment towards the empty bed. A very well-written story.
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That is pretty much what I was trying to get across as much, or more, than the insomnia part. Thanks.
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Somehow I prefer waking up at 3am than near the alarm. 🤔 There’s at least enough time to go back to sleep.
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Yes, there is always that chance to get back to sleep… I’m not sure why taring at the ceiling at 3 AM seems worse than any other time for me. The house just seems darker, troubles closer, daylight farther away.
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🤔
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I hate how I’m often awakened like there is something dangerous, at 3 a.m. I fret till 5, only to be awakened by my alarm at 6!
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It does seem that way – it is too early, so you have to try to sleep again, but once you fall asleep, the alarm is just right there…
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You set the scene so very well, Trent. I felt for the character from the hour he woke to climbing back into his lonely bed. Superb writing!
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Thanks, Brenda!
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It truly is like that – never close to the alarm, or early enough that you can go back to sleep for a good chunk of time! Nicely done.
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It does seem that way, doesn’t it? Thanks.
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Being a bit of a night owl I don’t go to bed till three. I always spend a few minutes out on my balcony and relish the silence and stillness before climbing board my empty bed.
Here’s mine!
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There’s one in every crowd… lol, I guess the reality of this story is a little different for you than most who read it.
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at 3am even the dead are asleep, no?
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Most of the ghosts are asleep then, though if you are awake, too often the ghosts of the past are wide awake with you ;)
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Such a mood, isn’t it? I have definitely been there. Great job setting the scene.
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A time and mood that visit most at one time or another, though is welcomed by few… Thanks.
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3 a.m. is certainly a frequent visitor for me. And I wish it wouldn’t.
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Sorry you see it so often. Before electricity people used to split sleep up and do things in the middle of the night. I think we still have some of that in us and we all seem to wake at 3 AM…
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For me, it’s usually a call of nature. But when it happens at 3 or later, I have trouble getting back to sleep. Bummer.
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Yeah, common problems….
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The cold empty bed gives depth to the story and explains his restless loneliness.
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Yes, that cold, empty bed is, in ways, the heart of the story more than the time of day or night.
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A couple of key phrases fill in the back story so well – ‘silent from habit’ and of course the ‘cold, empty bed’. The mood of loneliness and loss comes through strongly. And I note your comments about your large dog. My daughter has one of those. I chuckled at that.
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Thanks. Reading through the comments I am not sure how many people picked up on those clues about the person’s backstory, though I am sure some did. I wouldn’t trade Fiyero (the boxer) for the world, but he is the king of bed hogs. lol I know other people say the same about their dogs, and I’m sure your daughter does too…
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The mood is great, cold, lonely, sad. I can’t relate since I sleep like a log, but I feel it from reading. Maybe the MC should get a pet…
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I’m a pretty light sleeper, and if I totally wake up, it is almost always 3 AM… The MC just needs to be careful if they get an animal – I have a 75 boxer that likes to sleep right on top of me, thus those 3 AM waking times ;)
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Ah, now that explains a lot. At least he warms the bed, though. :D
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Yes, he is warm, and warm at heart ;)
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Dear Trent,
Your assessment of 3 AM is spot on. I do enjoy watching a good lightning “show” though. You set the tone for this story. I felt the cold and his loneliness. Good job.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A good electric storm can be fun to watch, but maybe not at 3 AM. And why 3 AM?…. Thanks, Rochelle, I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
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I sooo can identify with your narrator. Well done.
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I think we have all been there! Thanks.
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I see this person, as real as can be. Also noted the lights on across the way. A+ for authenticity.
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Thanks! I do think we’ve all been unintentionally awake at that time and know how it feels.
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Nicely set and relatable, Trent. Well done.
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Thanks. I think we’ve all stared at the ceiling at 3 AM…
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I agree.
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The witching hour, these days I’m usually up at that time for a toilet break! You’ll understand when you get to my age!
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Even at my age a lot of my contemporaries are up for that reason, but when I stay with my 90 year old parents, I can hear the future several times each night… (I’m a light sleeper and hear every time anyone is up).
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I think my Dad was the same until he passed away, I very rarely stay over at my Mums, it’s so cold in the house, trying to persuade an 84 year old to move house nearer to me is tricky
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Trent, you’re braver than me. I never look outside when I get up, as I’m sure I’ll see the “night shift” at work.
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No, I have to look out and see what’s there, “night shift” or not. Actually, that S. King book has been sitting on my TBR pile for years. I have even read others of his books since it has been there, but it sits there untouched. Perhaps the next time I am up at 3 AM I will start ;)
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What?! SK has a book by that name? Why doesn’t it surprise me. I have yet to read one of his books and don’t plan on it.
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Some of his books may surprise you – for the most part I don’t find them scary, but they almost always keep my interest. But, nobody is for everyone.
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Why oh why must it always be 3am. I have awoken to it way to many times. 🤔🤔 Great post, very relatable Trent 😁
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I think that 3 AM time frame is some strange quirk of the Universe… Yeah, we’ve all been there. Thanks.
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I always recommend a cup of tea and three biscuits at three am🙂
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I have heard that not fighting it is usually the best course.
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You’ve written a very atmospheric story, Trent. I felt the cold, and the frustration of being awake in the night.
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Thanks. I think we’ve all been up at that hour. But why 3?
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I can relate I haven’t slept in almost 3 months. Well done, Trent.
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I’m sorry, insomnia is awful. Hope you get a good nights rest soon!
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Thanks, Trent. I appreciate it.
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I hate nights like that Trent 💜
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Yeah, they are never easy.
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No never 💜
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Of course it’s 3am! 😂🤣😂!
At least you’re not alone! 😉
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Always 3 AM! Today I am alone – I don’t even have my kittens (or dogs) with me. Of course not havign a boxer trying to sleep on top of me makes sleep much easier…
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A ha ha haaaaaa……. I suppose so! ;-)
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Great atmosphere to this, Trent. One of your best pieces
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Thanks, Neil.
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I feel your MC’s pain, Trent. It must be the witching hour!
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There is something about 3 AM, isn’t there? I’m sure you can relate to the MC more than most…
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Way too well. And she/he is right. Too early or too late… I’ve been stuck there way too often!
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