Keep Dreaming Up Ways to Survive

Chapter 31

Felix opened his eyes to the now bright hospital room. He sighed, knowing it wasn't some messed up dream the monster gave him. He sat up and loudly groaned in pain, not feeling the need to hide it since no one was there. Felix turned his head to see a neatly written note from the nice nurse named Maddy. He read the letter out loud, "When you wake up... press the button."

The note had an arrow pointing at the button to call the nurses in. Just as the note said, he pressed the button. A minute or two passed, and then Maddy came into the room.

"Good morning, Felix! How did you sleep?" Maddy piped.

"Um... good," Felix responded, lowering his head.

"Ok, so we have to do a few more tests, then you'll have to talk to the sheriff, and I believe you will be able to go!" Maddy smiled.

"Oh, ok..." Felix had many questions, but he kept them to himself.

Felix did the "few" test, which was about four and a half hours. The test included multiple x-rays, a couple of urine tests, and approximately two blood tests. After all the tests, Felix's body was throbbing and weak. Finally, the doctors let him go back into his room. Felix laid back onto his pillow and let out a sigh of relief; he could finally be alone. Just as he closed his eyes, a hard knock on his door came to his ears. Felix frowned but cleared his throat and told the person to come in. Officer Taylor walked through the door and stood near the bed.

"Good afternoon, Felix."

Felix's mouth dried up, "Hi...."

Officer Taylor pulled a chair up to the bed and sat on it; he put a kind smile on his face, trying not to scare him.

"So, your friend called me yesterday and told me what happened."

Felix stiffened and looked to the other side of the room, away from the officer.

"After he called me, a few officers went to your house. But she wasn't there for questioning. We will go back today, but I have a question for you. Do you want to press charges? Since she's your mom?" Officer Taylor asked.

Felix thought for a moment about all the abuse he had been through his whole life. How he could count all the full meals he had in his life on one hand. The bruises he had to cover, all the cuts that could have gotten infected. The many times he walks with a limp. How bad his eyes burned from the tears. The petrifying fear he felt when he heard the front door opening.

"Felix? It's ok; you don't have to decide now." Officer Taylor comforted.

"Yes. I want to press charges. Will there be a trial? Because she... did a lot." Felix said confidently.

"That was the loudest I've heard you speak." Officer Taylor complained, "There will be a trail, yes. You said she did a lot?"

Felix nodded.

Officer Taylor got out a small notepad, "Tell me about it."