A Rude Awakening The pain pulsed in my right temple before I’d even opened my eyes. Fleck’s morning bark echoed through the house, punctuated by the steady patter of rain against the window. It’s a familiar wake‑up call, but today’s headache had that unmistakable weight — the kind that settles in for the day. I rummaged through my bedside drawer for my tablets, swallowed one with a gulp of water, and sat quietly while John headed downstairs. He soon returned with a cup of tea