Chapter 17: Rest
Adam’s old habits died hard. His phone’s alarm clock was still set to 6:00 AM in his new life. The quiet of his room was broken by the piercing chime. Just yesterday morning, he had been startled into a panic by the same sound.
Adam opened his eyes. He sat up straight in bed. It was instinct. He began to bolt for the bathroom, throwing his legs over the side of the bed. He needed to prepare. He had to get to work on time.
He stopped halfway to the bathroom door. His heart continued to race as he stood in the center of his tiny room. He recalled. Yesterday, he had lost his job. The thought no longer hurt. It was merely a fact.
Then the rest of the day’s memories flooded back. The man wearing the suit. The new cell phone. The app One-Click Billionaire.
He was suddenly struck by a horrible thought. What if everything had been a dream? He felt lightheaded from the intensity of the fear. He hurried back to his bed.
He grabbed his phone off the bedside table. He unlocked it with trembling hands. He looked wildly for the app. He located it.
There was still the ordinary black icon. Billionaire with a single click.
He gave it a tap. The application launched. He checked his equilibrium. Two million dollars. The number remained. It was authentic. A wave of deep relief swept over him. He lowered himself to the bed’s edge. It was not a dream.
It had been years since Adam had slept soundly. He had always been concerned about his future, his job, and his finances. For the first time, he felt completely safe. He shut down the application.
He was aware that he could earn money at any time. His bank account was worth two million dollars. He did not have to work. There was nothing for him to do.