The Desire for a Simple Life

EIGHTEEN

EIGHTEEN

Natalia

- 2:57 am -

As soon as the door to the disgusting smelling room opened, I prayed that it was Grant. And it was torture being unable to speak, and tell him that I was there and alive. Then when he flipped me over and found me and walked away I wanted to scream. But he checked me again, and all hope was back.

I held my breath as he carried my down the halls and past the few people. I was so terrified he'd get caught. But he didn't. Then the agonizing car ride was haunting the entire way. It was long and I didn't know where we were going. But I did know that he was there. That was the one bit of hope, the hope and chance that I was getting out of there, that Grant and I were out of there, safe for as long as we can be.

"I am going to change you." He says slowly. The noise scares me at first. Just from the sudden sound. But I calm down slightly knowing for sure it's him.

He quickly removes my clothing, keeping my private parts covered. Grant puts clothes back on and I'm cold, wanting him to put some more layers on. But instead of putting more layers on, Grant looks at my bruises I think, touching them gingerly. Being as careful as he can. Being very conscious of my feelings and privacy.

Grant then puts more layers on and I begin to feel much warmer. But then he leaves, and panic washes back over me. Where did he go? Will he be back? He will, he won't just leave me, right? I mean he did lie that one time- no. I am holding onto hope.

- 3:32 am -

Grant walks back into the room and I start to feel relieved again. He puts two fingers to my neck after setting down a bowl of something that smells really good, and I am starving. Grant then grabs my hand and holds it for a long time. It easies me and I think I drift to sleep.

- 2:38 pm -

I wake up to a large thud beside me. I flinch at the noise- I flinched! I open my eyes and sit up slowly. My body feels tingly all over, it's very uncomfortable. But I ignore it and look onto the ground to see Grant out cold.

"Grant." I croke. "You okay-?" My voice is strained from not talking at all.

I slump off the bed and place my hand over Grant's heart. The beat is slow. I shake his shoulders, but he doesn't react. I call his name again but nothing. I lift up his t-shirt to see his ribs are most definitely broken. I place the back of my hand on Grant's forehead. He is burning up. He must have run a fever from his pain. I also realize he must have taken off his mask, and I am greeted with his beautiful yet banged up face.

After about ten minutes I finally manage to put him on the bed and collapse next to him in exhaustion. I need to get up and grab some things to help with Grant's fever, so I fight against my exhaustion and find a bathroom that is right across the hall. I wet a towel and found some flu and fever medicine before making my way back to the bedroom.

I place the cool towel over his forehead and pour some medicine into the small cup, I try to open Grant's mouth to pour the medicine into it. I tilt his head back so the liquid and pour down his throat. I really hope he'll wake up soon.

I look over to the bowl Grant had put on the bedside table. I should probably wait until Grant wakes up to have some. Trying to relax a bit I lay down at Grant's feet with a pillow under my head and I lay there watching him.

After a while I decide I should get up and take a shower. So I do. As soon as the water hits me, all my muscles relax. I haven't showered in so long, nor looked at myself in so long. Once I rid myself of all the dirt, and blood I get out of the shower. When my eyes meet my reflection in the mirror I almost laugh at how weird I look. No sun, no food and water really does something to a person.