Spotlight

Chapter 31

Three times.

Passed out three times in seven months. I think I've broken Illyria's record.

The room is very bright when I wake up. I struggle to keep my eyes open and make out a lot of white coats around me. They move into action and multiple things are being done at once.

Someone is checking my heart rate. Another is taking blood. Another is physically checking the pulse on my wrist. And one is asking me questions.

His voice is muffled.

I drift back to sleep.

***

The next time I wake up, the experience isn't too different.

I'm only awake for a few seconds.

***

"don't.. think about it...Fre..." I can't make out all the words.

"...not stupid. Sebastian...should...her." A different voice says.

I lay still. My joints ache and every movement hurts.

"She may never wake up." The voices are clearer now. That's definitely my aunt.

"So we'll do what? Send a body back to her mother?" Seb's voice is raised.

"Well, obviously that's not ideal." Aunt Freya sounds frustrated. "I'm as devasted as you are, Seb. But it's been weeks."

"The doctor said..."

Aunt Freya scoffs. "Do you really think he'll tell the most powerful man in the country his daughter is going to die?"

I tune them out and go back to peaceful sleep.

***

The next time I wake up, I hear no one in my room. I sigh softly. Finally, peace.

When I open my eyes, I almost smile. It's night and all the lights are off. This is very ideal.

I'm in a proper hospital room. I can't count how many machines I'm hooked up on.

I try to sit up and a flare of pain shoots through my back.

Wow, this truly is my worst low. For now.

I struggle and am able to sit up slightly.

The door opens and I close my eyes and go still.

There's some shuffling going around. I open my eyes slightly and notice the housekeeper.

She has headphones on and is wiping every surface of the room.

I wait till she's wiping my headrest till I open my eyes.

She screams and jumps back.

I smile even though it hurts.

She curses and tries to catch her breath.

When she finally does, she rings the bell for the doctor.

The doctor and a nurse rush in and she scowls at them.

She gives me one last look before leaving, with a new phobia, I'm sure.

They see my soft smile and piece two and two together.

"Dr. Tilly was right." The woman in the white coat says. "You do have a sense of humor."

I try to talk but my mouth is dry.

"I'll contact your family right now." The nurse assures and leaves the room. The doctor begins taking my vitals.

My family arrives sooner than I gave them credit for.