The shrill shriek of the alarm clock pierced the quiet of the bedroom, swiftly silenced by a rough slap from the bed's sole occupant. Lifting herself out of bed, Kim Nishikawa stretched heavily, ready to wake up and face the day. The shapely woman began going about her usual morning routine, brushing her teeth and hopping in the shower to clean up and wake up. Breakfast would be a simple affair, then she'd be out the door and hopping in her car to get to work.