diff --git a/test/timer.cpp b/test/timer.cpp
index 8621967..48152b0 100644
--- a/test/timer.cpp
+++ b/test/timer.cpp
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 {
   public:
     // systemd event handler
-    sd_event* events;
+    sd_event* events = nullptr;
 
     // Need this so that events can be initialized.
     int rc;