SoulBlind

Chapter 24

The last thing I remembered was seeing before I closed my eyes was Thranduil reaching out to me as I fell. I had felt the same oddness I did when I fell into middle-earth. But I still hit something and blacked out. Now I could feel myself waking up, a soft rhythmic beeping sound next to me.

I didn't want to open my eyes as I felt the hard plastic side of a hospital bed. I couldn't stop the sob I touched my face, feeling the oxygen tubing under my nose.

"Andria? Andria!" Maria's voice rang loud. "Nurse! She's awake!"

I opened my eyes to find myself in a normal hospital room and immediately started crying. I could still see color. Which could only mean it was all real.

"Oh no...shh...it's okay. You're okay!" Maria said hugging me. "Your safe now."

After my crying had subsided I told the Maria what had happened. But she just called it a coma dream. The doctor also called it a coma dream, but then called for a psych consult who prescribed me antidepressants and told me to find a local therapist.

"This is completely normal. We see it a lot in a lot of coma patients." He had said. "Even ones who were only out for two days."

Apparently when they found me I had a broken rib, several bruises and a cut on my arm. I couldn't get my clothes back because they had been so heavily damaged and they knew nothing about a ring. I had nothing to prove it was real. And they simply explained away me being able to see color as maybe when your head it knocked something into place.

Maria had seemed concerned for me but stayed cheery to try and keep a good mood around me.  And after a day they sent me home to stay in bed for two weeks other than to see my new therapist.

So for the next two weeks I laid there. The Hobbit: an Unexpected Journey or the Desolation of Smaug playing in the background at all times. I couldn't bring myself to watch the battle of five armies, I didn't want that pain. I just needed to see Thranduil's eyes, watch Bilbo find his courage, see Fili and Kili smile, Bombur outrun us all, and watch as Thorin became best friends with Bilbo. Dwalin gave me strength and Balin gave me wisdom. Bofur and his floppy hat made me smile and Ori gave me bravery. Nori, Dori, Gloin, Oin and Bifur all brought me joy.

Today...my first day back to work, I had to to see my therapist first.

"So how are you doing today?" Tiana, my therapist asked.

"I'm okay."

"Yeah? Well that's good to hear. I know this has been a long two weeks but you are clearly a very strong person."

"Well I've had a lot of life lessons." I said.

"Oh really like what?" Tiana asked.

"When you get a chance to be part of something you've always wanted, take it. Take the greatest adventure of your life, because even if it hurts....you'll be better for it in the end." I said, faking a smile.

Tiana smiled brightly. "Seize the day!" She said with a little fist wave.

"In short yes. Now look I'm gonna be late for work..."

"Oh one more thing before you go."

"Yeah?" I said my hand on the door handle.

"I think it would be best for you to maybe watch the last movie? I think it would bring you closure." Tiana said.

"Yeah...I'll do that." I groaned, heading out the door.

The bar was already packed when I got there, but it was calm. I had time to simmer in my thoughts. At this point even I was convinced I was crazy. That it was all just a dream. With nothing to prove it was real. At this point I wasn't sure what I felt anymore.

"Hey Andria. We have a large party coming in, apparently it's like the anniversary of some book or movie. Can you go clear those tables?" The manager asked.

"Yeah, sure thing." I gave a smile before setting up some tables. "How many people?"

"Oh uh it's gonna be like twenty for now but by the end of the night the whole bar will be set up for them." He said.

"Oh jeez. Can I see the reservation ticket?" I asked.

He handed it over and I stopped, my hand beginning to shake. It was the full cast of The Hobbit. I guickly handed the ticket back to the manager.

"I...can I work in the back after I do the tables...I don't think I'm ready for a full party. My ribs! They still...hurt. " I lied.

"Oh sure. Britt is coming in soon anyway." He said.

I nodded and set up the tables before rushing into the back. And I stayed back there for awhile. But eventually I could hear Britt calling.

"Hey Andria! Can you bring us some of that top shelf wine?"

"You can't get it yourself?" I asked, but no reply.

I took a deep breath before grabbing a crate and bringing it out to the bar. I kept my head low.

"Thanks...hey are you okay?" Britt said.

I looked up to her and nodded with a smile. "Just a little overwhelmed being back. Um I'll be back I'm just gonna take out the trash..." I rushed out before I could catch a glimpse of anyone. Though I could hear their voices.

"You need to actually take the trash!...ugh." Britts voice called.

I was already gone. Rushing down to the dumpsters. I knelt to the ground, trying not to cry as every memory came rushing back. It was different from watching the movie because I knew they were actually there.

"Oh hey...are you okay?"

I looked up to see Cate Blanchett.

"Oh yeah...I'm fine..." I stood, smiling.

She smiled mischievously. "You don't need to lie to me, my child." She said stepping close and placing my face in her hands. "I come here sometimes, to mingle with the people of earth. To get away from wilds of middle earth."

Not Cate. Galadriel. I could feel the tears flow again.

"Take this." Galadriel said placing something in my hand.

I looked down to see my ring. As beautiful and as real as ever.

"Where did you get this!?" I asked.

"Honestly I found it out here by the trash. But I knew it was yours." She smiled. "Now...do you want to go back?"

"Yes! I have to! I need to ow how things turned out! I need to see Thranduil!" I said.

"Then go." She said.

"What?"

"Go! Just honk about it. Want it! Need it!" She yelled.

As she yelled I could feel my chest tighten with yearning and excitement for the first time in what felt like forever. It was like she lit a fire in my soul. And felt the earth give way under my feet!