The Portrait of Markov

Chapter IV

My head was throbbing as I slowly regained my senses and opened my eyes. I couldn't remember a single thing from the past week, and that terrified me. But I tried to calm down, knowing that I was safe here...I felt an odd type of ease knowing that I was in this house. I looked at the stairway that was near the couch I was sitting on, and Gabriela stepped down the steps carefully.

She entered the light above the doorway. She seemed to be wearing a different outfit than a while ago. Her hair was even a bit different. Was this the next day? Or am I just going crazy?

"Are you doing okay?" She asked me. I blinked a couple times and shrugged. Honestly, I felt numb. I don't know whether I'm good or not, besides the fact that I have a pounding head ache. Gabriela hummed and took a seat next to me. "Is there anything you seem to remember from the past couple days, now that you've had rest?"

I shake my head. I couldn't remember anything. No matter how hard I tried. Gabriela seemed to smile a tiny bit at my response, and looked at me thoughtfully in the eyes for a solid second.

"Positive?"

"Yeah..."

"Alright, then."

There was more silence between the two of us. I bit my lip, and light blood started trickling down my lips. I couldn't even notice the pain, though. All I felt was numbness and fear. Something doesn't seem right about this situation, but I can't put a finger on it and it's pissing me off. What is Gabriela not telling me?

I gripped the side of the sofa, trying to feel some sort of pain. But there was nothing that my brain seemed to be sensing.

"Why do I feel so numb?" I blurted accidentally. Gabriela looked at me strangely, trying to grasp onto the words that came out of my mouth.

"Numb?" She repeated and cocked her head to the side. "What do you mean?"

"I don't feel anything...not even pain."

Gabriela blinked for a couple seconds, seeming to be lost in thought. She slowly looked at me, trying to study my facial expression.

"Interesting...do you feel a cold type of numb, or anxiety?"

"N-Neither...? I just don't feel a single thing. Not even fear anymore."

"Did you hit your head that hard?"

"I...hit my head?" I repeated, certainly confused. I don't remember that happening. In fact, I don't remember why I'm even here.

"Yes, you did. You really don't remember?"

I shook my head and frowned.

"Ah...should I send medical help, or...?"

"Please don't," I stated without thinking. What am I saying? Shouldn't I get help for this? Why am I suddenly so certain that I don't?

"Are you sure? You do seem kinda pale."

"I'll be fine. I promise."

"Alright...if you say so..."

"I don't even feel light headed anymore, so it's fine."

I seemed extremely certain with my decision, though I really didn't feel confident. I guess pretending doesn't hurt for the time being, until I can grasp my situation more clearly.

"Okay, I won't pressure it. Just tell me when you start feeling faint and I'll call medical help right away, alright?"

"Okay," I agreed. My voice sounded so flat and monotone that it even terrified me. I guess I really did feel very numb...I can't even think straight. All I want to do is stare off to space, craving for something...but I don't understand what. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I don't think I want to understand...I'm just too numb to say anything.

"Want to explore the house a bit?" Gabriela wondered. I nodded.

"Sure," I sigh as I stood up. Without thinking, I went upstairs. The stairs were smooth wood, and it felt nice to step on with my bare feet. I pressed my hand on the nearest door and slid it open. My mouth turned agape when I realized what was inside...