Love Bites

Chapter II

Slivers of awareness pricked at my mind, bleeding bright white through the darkness. The faint sound of beeping seemed to pulse in rhythm with my throbbing head, chasing away the peaceful nothingness. My heartbeat was a slow but consistent drum, marching me through the haze towards the distant sound of footsteps and hushed whispers that lingered just beyond my grasp.

The sharp sting of antiseptic seeped into my nose, followed by the soft aroma of flowers. Swallowing was a herculean effort; the dryness in my mouth and throat, intensified by neglect, bordered on painful. Forcing my eyelids open, I was greeted by harsh fluorescent lights casting a sterile glow upon the room. My vision adjusts slowly, revealing pale walls speckled with faded artwork. Machines stood guard at my bedside, tubes and wires connecting them to me. I twist around coarse sheets, trying to gauge my surroundings. Sitting up, I felt the IV drip steadily into my arm, the cold pooling beneath my skin, the sensation is unsettling. To my left, tucked into a corner, was a small bouquet of flowers. Lilies, I realized, arranged in a delicate vase, bathed in the fading light of the late afternoon sun. I followed the golden hues painting shadows across the floor to a familiar silhouette standing at the window.

She stood facing away from me, staring out the window. Her slender figure was rigid, blonde hair cascading down in waves. The strands caught the light in a familiarity that made my chest ache. From here I could almost trick myself into believing she was someone else.

Almost.

"Aunt Sadie," I croaked, my voice a whisper.

Her head snapped towards me, relief washing over her face, "Mina," she whispered, "You're awake. How do you feel?"

"I'm okay...I think," I replied, finally finding my voice. I winced as I adjusted in the bed, she rushed towards me, helping me forward.

"What's going on? What are you doing here?"

"You don't remember?" She bit her lip, eyes welling up. "You were in an accident," her voice quivered beneath the weight of her words.

An accident? I strained to sift through the fog, but my mind feels like it's made of sludge. Before I could press any further Sadie excused herself to get the doctor. Left without a choice, I waited for her, trying to ignore my pulsating head and the strange unease in my chest. Thankfully my solitude was short-lived, she returned soon after, accompanied by an older man clad in a white coat.

"Good afternoon, Mina," he greeted me, he had a gentle quality about him, and I relaxed a little as he extended his hand, "I'm Dr. Reeves. It's good to see you awake."

I took it, smiling tentatively in return, "Thank you."

"Mina, I'd like to perform a brief neurological and physical assessment, just to ensure everything's in working order. Would that be alright with you?" Dr. Reeves asked.

"That's fine." But I'm nervous at the thought, I still didn't understand what was going on.

My anxiety must have been palpable because he reassures me, "It's normal procedure after an event like yours. Afterward, we can chat about any challenges you might be facing. It's not uncommon to have temporary memory lapses or confusion after trauma."

I nodded, relieved that Sadie had already told him about my recollection issue. She'd slipped into a corner, but I could still see her watering eyes. I frowned a little, I wanted to tell her I was fine, but bit my tongue as Dr. Reeves shined a light in my eyes, following his instructions instead.

It was only after I'd managed to successfully relay my full name and birthdate that he relented his questions and palpations. "It seems to me you're on your way to a full recovery Mina," he smiled softly, and some of the worry creasing Sadie's brow softens. He continued, "You did have us worried for a little while, but I'm glad you pulled through."