widget

08:34 - awakened by insistent chirping from small green box found under pillow. fumble with random buttons on widget until chirping stops then toss in corner
09:51 - small explosion in hermitage destroys catherine the great's nightstand, leaves two injured
10:41 - wake up more refreshed, but with feeling of gnawing paranoia
10:44 - discover rectangular rash on side of neck
10:56 - pick up green widget from bedroom floor. have dim memory of leaving there. stick in pocket
11:29 - car stops dead on freeway. cell phone out of battery. road unusually empty. begin walking toward next exit
11:31 - widget begins humming
11:32 - car explodes
12:04 - approaching town. humming from widget becoming intolerable. jab at buttons against better instincts. humming stops
13:25 - paris struck by freak tornado. countless treasures missing
14:13 - in cab en route to work. widget producing white noise, glowing softly. consider disposing. decide against
14:47 - arrive at work. sounds from widget becoming more distinct. wrap in jacket and stick under desk
14:51 - receive package from friend in china. antique comb of style i collect
15:49 - check on widget. can almost make out voices among sounds. buttons pulsing in complex pattern
16:35 - transcribe audible parts of speech from widget

-- CERTAIN DEBT -- ---
RETURN -- ---- OR --- -
ARRIVAL AT ---
WARNING --- --- -
(repeats)

17:20 - earthquakes begin throughout northern america. single button flashing on widget
17:43 - press flashing button. earthquakes cease
18:31 - boom