Resting Tome

Alex Mercer was an exceptional scientist who worked diligently at a state-of-the-art research facility. 

His expertise in cutting-edge technologies and his insatiable curiosity made him a valuable asset to Sci-Tech, a scientific research company owned by multimillionaire Andre Suarez. 

Every day, Alex would immerse himself in his work, exploring new frontiers of science and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. 

He had always been fascinated by the mysteries of the universe and had dedicated his life to unravelling them. 

It was a bright new morning and he jolted up from his deep slumber, his eyes fluttering open as his alarm clock blared its shrill ringtone. 

Rubbing his eyes, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and sat up, glancing at himself in the mirror on the opposite wall. 

With his tousled black hair and a charming face adorned with a faint stubble, Alex possessed an air of effortless charm, even in his dishevelled state.

He yawned and stretched, his sleep suit rumpled from a night of twisting and turning. 

The navy blue silk fabric clung to his lean frame, providing a touch of elegance to his morning routine.

As he shuffled across the room, the warm morning light spilt through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow on the clean, minimalist decor. 

His room was a sanctuary of tranquillity, with neutral tones and a few carefully chosen artworks adorning the walls. 

The scent of fresh lavender lingered in the air, emanating from a small bouquet on his bedside table.

Reaching the alarm clock, he swiftly silenced its incessant ringing. 

He glanced at the digital display, confirming the time, before making his way to the bathroom. 

The tiled floor felt cool beneath his feet as he stepped into the spacious room, adorned with modern fixtures and a large mirror.

In the shower, hot water cascaded down his body, washing away the remnants of sleep and invigorating his senses. 

He relished the momentary solitude, finding peace in the rhythmic sound of water droplets hitting the tiled floor.

Once refreshed, he wrapped a plush towel around his waist and proceeded to his wardrobe. 

Selecting a crisp white shirt, and a navy blue tie, he meticulously dressed himself, ensuring each garment was flawlessly aligned. 

He fastened his cufflinks, the silver gleaming under the soft lighting, adding a touch of sophistication to his ensemble.

Ready for the day, Alex made his way downstairs and out into the bustling streets of Houston, New York. 

Mounting his sleek bicycle, he pedalled gracefully through the morning traffic, weaving his way through the familiar routes that led to his office.

Along the way, he exchanged friendly hellos with his neighbours, waving to the street vendor arranging his produce and nodding at the elderly couple taking their daily stroll. 

His warm smile and genuine demeanour brought a sense of camaraderie to the early morning routine of the city.

Arriving at his office building, he parked his bicycle with care, ensuring its safety. As he entered the lobby, he greeted the security personnel with a nod and a polite "Good morning."

Making his way to his desk, he exchanged pleasantries with his colleagues. 

"You owe me ten bucks, man," Raj called out to Alex while he chewed on a gum. 

"I thought we agreed first half?" Alex responded in a reluctant tone. 

"Ten bucks, dude," Raj repeated, stretching forth his arm with his eyes dimmed behind his glasses. 

"Fine." Alex unwillingly reached into his pocket and placed the money in Raj's palm. 

The office buzzed with activity as people settled into their tasks, the hum of conversation filling the air.

With a cup of steaming coffee in hand, Alex settled into his ergonomic chair, ready to dive into the day's work. 

The rhythmic tapping of his keyboard echoed throughout the office, a testament to his dedication and focus.

And so, the day began for Alex, a man whose charm and enthusiasm permeated every aspect of his life, from his morning routine to his interactions with his colleagues. 

The evening came quicker and it had gotten quieter. His habit of staying back to finish work. 

He had left the comfort of his office chair and was sorting through the dusty archives of the research facility. 

A while passed before he stumbled upon an ancient tome hidden amidst the depths of forgotten knowledge. 

"Woah… Aren't you strange?" he said, bringing the book to rest on a table as he remained captivated by its golden cover. 

The tome had red and black diamonds crafted on it,  covered in dust it looked - forgotten. 

The book exuded an aura of mystery and intrigue, its worn pages filled with cryptic symbols and enigmatic illustrations as he flipped through as carefully as possible in awe. 

Driven by his insatiable curiosity, he couldn't resist the temptation to delve into the secrets that lay within. 

With every turn of the page, he felt a surge of excitement mixed with trepidation, immersing himself in the cryptic pages, he began to decipher the hidden meaning behind the symbols. 

The tome revealed a wealth of knowledge, ancient wisdom that had long been lost to the world. 

It spoke of forgotten civilizations, arcane rituals, and powerful forces beyond human comprehension.

Intrigued by the possibilities that lay before him, he devoted himself to unlocking the secrets of the tome. 

"Okay… You are coming with me." He said, looking around and placing the book under his left armpit while heading for his office trying not to get caught. 

Once he got in, he proceeded to slip into his leather bag which he immediately wore across his chest. 

Intrigued, he couldn't wait any longer. His mind had so many questions and doubts as he got out and wore his helmet. 

Riding home had never felt more enjoyable. He seemed to be far away from his body as he kept going. In no time, he was outside his apartment. 

"It's just me and you now, mystery." He said, having placed the book on his study table.