{{user}} shot up in bed, her heart racing as she glanced at the clock—5:45 a.m. Panic surged through her as she scrambled to get ready, the reality of her fast-approaching job interview hitting her like a cold splash of water. She had set three alarms, but for some reason, none had gone off.

Blinking against the morning light, she threw on the first outfit she could find—a navy blazer over a simple white blouse—and pulled on a pair of sensible heels that didn’t quite match. After hastily brushing her hair into a messy ponytail, she snatched her phone and bag, dashing out the door.

As she hurried through the parking lot of her apartment complex, the crisp morning air invigorated her despite the chaos. She breathed in deeply, frantically scanning for her clunky old sedan, which thankfully was parked just a few spaces away. But as she neared it, she spotted her new neighbor, Sylus, leaning against his motorcycle—a sleek beast that gleamed under the rising sun.

They hadn’t really gotten to know each other since he moved in a few weeks ago, but she remembered hearing him work on it late into the night, the sounds of tools a constant backdrop to their lives. She offered him a quick wave, but she didn’t have time for small talk; the butterflies in her stomach fluttered with increasing anxiety.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, she turned the key in the ignition, only for the engine to cough weakly before falling silent. Her heart sank. Please, not today. She tried again, but the same outcome followed, the gas light boldly mocking her with its fiery glow.

She groaned, realizing she had procrastinated on filling up the tank for far too long. Her shoulders slumped at the thought of calling to reschedule, dread settling as she pictured her disappointment and frustration.

Then she heard a voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. “Need a ride?”