Dracula: New blood

Chapter five. Found, yet, never lost.

We all know when we are home. There is a special smell to the walls, there is a special sound to the house, there is something that makes it recognizable no matter what.

"I really hope you can start feeling all those special things and being back home will help heal that empty brain you have. No offense to you, Lina! I'm pretty sure it was plenty interesting before it went into the dark..." Dracula says to me.

I feel like a child pretending to be asleep just to be let alone for a bit more to enjoy his time before starting chores and homework and ...therapy. It's surprising the other me hasn't detected me yet. Maybe, it's not looking for me. I can't gauge the duration of my absence, but one thing is certain: I'm home. Presently, I find myself in Phoenix, Arizona. The apprehension of being discovered alive has immobilized me. It's been a significant stretch of time since I've been mentally present, but I remain quiet, hopeful that the eccentric alternate persona, Dracula, will remain dormant. I shouldn't be afraid. I'm not quite afraid as obviously, there's a rational explanation for this Dracula fabrication, likely a result of my recent visit to Romania and the prevailing legends of Count Dracula intertwined with our trip to Bran Castle.

If I could just guard myself against him for a while, I'd feel better. I want my mind for myself for a while. Selfish like any human, right? Was that my thought or Dracula found me?

The sound of a door opening startles me abruptly.

"Good evening, Ava," I swiftly recognize Kim's voice, followed by the familiar scent that accompanies her.

"Good evening, ma'am," another voice responds, and I'm taken aback. I hadn't realized that there was someone else in the room with me. Or perhaps I sensed her presence... "She's been doing well today," Ava continues, confirming my suspicion that they're discussing me. Ava is undoubtedly my nurse. "I've already tended to the trach tube, and the feeding tube is scheduled to begin in fifteen minutes, for the night."

Though I attempt to contain it, a wave of fear courses through my entire body. I can't allow Dracula to stir. But what in the world has happened to me? Why do I require a trach tube? Am I now reliant on external support for breathing? Am I doomed to never breathe by myself? And never eat again? Not that I care that much about food. Having a good ice cream on the other hand?! Holly...molly...

"She appears to have a healthy complexion today," I overhear Kim remarking, and I'm relieved that I'm spared from the sight of myself. I've never been considered conventionally beautiful. Considering my present circumstances, my former self must have resembled a runway model! I miss my mother!

"Did she have any spontaneous movements today? Did she look like she was in pain?" Kim's questioning of the nurse persists, though there's a distinct quality to her tone. Could she possibly sense my return? Unlikely! My body has been as rigid as a board.

"There hasn't been the slightest alteration in her condition, ma'am," the nurse responds.

"Hmm... You're off duty for the night. I'll take over the monitoring tonight... Good night, Ava."

I pick up the sounds of Ava moving about the room, presumably gathering her things and then departing. Meanwhile, Kim settles herself in a chair beside my bed. Upon the door's soft closure, a small sigh escapes from her, and I imagine her taking her seat. Surprisingly, her perfume seems more potent than I recall, yet it no longer irritates me.

"It's exactly a month since we got you home, dear girl. I hoped...your father hoped... you can come back...whatever battle you have to win, healing to deal with, do take your time but...please come back..."

Is she crying? The voice seems to crack a bit and I worry about getting too emotional myself. There is no sign of Dracula's voice, but it might be just too early to say.