Liner Notes

Number One — “We’re Half Awake In A Fake Empire”

Photo: sixeyes

Something in the air must have put him in a good mood. The air is crisp but not chilly. He woke up early even though it is his day off today. He was actually planning to laze around but it’s just too beautiful outside. Whistling a tune, he put the kettle on. He knew his routine well enough to know that he has enough time for a quick shower while the water boils. Later, while sipping a cup of tea, he wondered what to do with his day. It’s still early — not even 10— he could do with a spot of breakfast, he thought. He went about his everyday routine, got dressed and headed out.

It’s a weekday so he’s just missed the madness of the morning crowd. The world sure seems to be rousing itself into a good mood. Everyone’s smiling and it’s a beautiful day out, full of hope and promise. Even his ipod is cooperative, playing all the right songs. He couldn’t help humming along. While waiting for the lights to change, he starts to belt out the chorus, such is the infectiousness of the song he’s listening to. He suddenly felt someone’s eyes on him and saw a girl smiling at him from a tour bus. She’s Asian as far as he can tell, with big sunglasses covering most of her face. The bus jolts when the lights change and as it rounds the corner, the girl flashes him a thumbs up and waves goodbye.

Neither could have known that each has just saved the other’s life today.