The Room

An unfamiliar room. He awakes tipsy from the remains of sleep, mouth parched with thirst and the aftertaste of whisky and cigarettes. An open window lets in sticky air.  It’s quarter to six in the morning, according to a miniature clock next to the bed.
 
What happened?
 
He staggers to the window. Outside, a crescendo of colour streaks the horizon, bathing the sea in a magenta glow. He leans against the wall, willing the dizziness to stop.  On the other side of the window, a steep drop tempts him to jump to the ground where huge rocks await, like teeth.  As the dizziness increases, a voice from the past teases him, daring him to hurl himself through the glass.
 
No!
 
Hurrying away from the window he tries the door, but it is locked.