Jake was deep in a coma-like sleep, snuggled under the covers, breathing softly, completely unaware of what was coming. The curtains were still drawn, the room dim with that early morning bluish glow. Peaceful. Silent. Until—

RIP.

The blanket got yanked off him like a magician doing a trick.

“Wake up, sleepyhead!” Gaby said, her voice sing-songy but deadly determined. She was already dressed in athletic leggings, a crop hoodie, and her running shoes, looking like she belonged in a Nike ad. Mochi, their fluffy white-and-brown dog, stood next to her wagging his tail excitedly, already clipped to a leash.

Jake blinked hard, barely able to open his eyes. “What time is it…?”

“Six. A. M.,” she said, hands on her hips. “Let’s go. Jogging. Fresh air. Life. You remember life, right?”

He groaned and threw his arm over his eyes. “I was literally dreaming I was flying a plane made of pancakes. Why would you do this to me?”

“Because,” Gaby said, already pulling his arm. “You’ve been waking up at 1PM, Jake. That’s not ‘sleeping in,’ that’s time traveling.”

Mochi barked in agreement, hopping up on the bed like even he was in on the plan.

“I’m gonna die,” Jake mumbled as he rolled out of bed like a sloth falling off a tree.

“No you’re not,” Gaby said, tossing him a hoodie. “But you are gonna sweat.”

By 6:30, the three of them were jogging through the quiet neighborhood. Birds chirped, the sidewalks were still damp with morning dew, and Jake looked like he was halfway asleep with every step. Gaby, on the other hand, was bouncing with energy.

“You’re gonna thank me later!” she said, jogging backward just to tease him.