The Space in Between

Chapter 3

I sat on a chair outside Dre's room.

The doctor told me earlier that all my results are normal and there's no need to be admitted to the hospital. I just have to come back next week to remove the cast, if it turns out good.

The nurses on duty are busy making their rounds. It makes me dizzy looking at them walking in different directions with a quick stop to have short exchanges.

I started staring at the white wall in front of me. Somehow, it made me feel relaxed. How did I end up here?

Yesterday, I was lying in my bed looking blankly at my ceiling. The wall clock hanging at the other side of the room tells me that it has been two hours since I woke up but I'm still here.

I couldn't find the energy to even slightly move the curtains so the sunlight could get in. More so, in getting out of this bed.

I was startled when my phone rang. I looked at it and instead of answering, I turned down the sound of the ringer. It's still too early for me to talk to anyone, even though it's already noon time.

If only my tummy were not crumbling, I wouldn't be leaving my room. There's food on the table. My sister prepared it before leaving for work. She's the most caring person I know.

I went back to bed after having lunch. I haven't done anything but I am exhausted. I feel different. Something inside me has changed but I don't know what it is.

I was a completely different person a year ago. If my older self can see me right now, she won't recognize me at all. I know I am not sad because I know how it feels. This time I am numb, I don't feel anything at all.

"You're so lost in your thoughts." I think I heard my conscience has spoken if not for the nurse who's standing in front of me.

"Oh, I'm sorry. How long have you been standing there?" I asked. The pin on her chest says her name is Nancy.

"Long enough that my wrinkles started to show up." She laughed and said, "I'm just kidding. I know you're thinking about the guy inside, about the accident. Dre's a great guy. He's always around to help the cancer patients in the kids' ward on the 7th floor. He's a keeper." She winked and went on before I could respond.