far away, and it is horrible.

 Grey light in the window, and it is twenty to six in the morning. Awaken, and feel consciousness pervade the system, one by one the things in the room become apparent, and are noted as the human system climbs out of the dormant state in which it has been for the last seven or eight hours. The alarm set on the phone has not sounded yet, so slip the small device into the pyjama pocket. In the bathroom start to run hot water to shave with, listen to the sound of the cistern refilling after the matinal toilet flush. As the razor clears away the shaving cream feel a short sharp pain on the upper lip.

This pain was caused by the razing of a pimple, now a bleeding crater pouring red into the white foam.

The alarm sounds from the pyjama pocket, take out the 'phone and press the button for silence. In the kitchen, unscrew the lid of the coffee maker and fill the device with water and ground coffee and place it on the gas cooker. Turn and press the knob on the controls of the machine, and press the ignition button. There is a click and a tiny explosion as the jet of gas ignites. Do the same with a small pan of water. Take two slices of white bread from the bread box and place them on top of the toaster in readiness, and get out a plate from the cupboard and two eggs from the refrigerator.

Outside, the orange flashing lights of the street cleaners machines pass by.

With most of the components for breakfast ready and waiting for water to boil get the laptop computer and place it on the table.

Later on, with breakfast of poached eggs read about the success of the French president over his nationalist competitor, and the terror being visited upon the Ukraine by the armed forces of their neighbour.

It is far away, and it is horrible.