Ten Years Lost - Love Refound

Ten Years Lost

1. Aaron 2023

"Beep ... beep ... beep ... beep ..."

"What's that sound, the alarm clock?"

"Beep ... beep ... beep ...beep ..."

It doesn't sound like an alarm clock. What is it? How can I sleep with this racket?

"Beep ... beep ... beep ... beep ..."

I try to move my hand to turn the sound off, but can't. Then, I try to open my eyes, but I can't do that either. Renee, where is Renee? She was sitting and talking to me. I try again and this time I can open my eyes a little, but it's too bright, and I close them.

"Mr. Fallows?" It's a quiet voice, young sounding, and not Renee. It soothes me, this voice, and I want to hear it again.

"Mr. Fallows, are you awake?"

I can open my eyes a little, but there is too much light, and pain, and I close them. Why is Renee calling me Mr. Fallows? She always calls me Aaron. I try to speak but make only a raspy sound, and my throat feels parched, like a desert. I try squinting and can now just make out a woman's face above me. I feel her touch my forehead, a touch that is cool and soothing. I feel lost, and alone, and I want her to help me.

"W-w-w ... w-w-where...?

"Mr. Fallows, you're in a hospital. I'm Denise, your nurse."

Hospital? I don't understand. Renee and I were walking in the hills only a minute ago. I open my eyes a little again, and the light is not so bad, and doesn't hurt as much. I see a woman with dark hair and dark skin, and she looks worried. What is she worried about? Where is Renee?

"Hospital?" I finally manage to croak.

"Yes, a hospital in Philadelphia." Her voice is calm, warm, and soothing.

"Water?" My throat is so dry that it hurts to make a sound.

She leaves and then comes back carrying something. She touches it to my lips and I open my mouth.

"Drink. Drink from the straw."

I suck gently, and the water soothes my throat.

"Why am I here, am I hurt?" Speaking is easier.

"L-let me get a doctor."

The woman goes away and then comes right back.

"The doctor's coming to answer your questions."

I don't feel hurt, just very tired, and I close my eyes to rest. Then I hear a different voice. "Mr. Fallows? Mr. Fallows, are you awake?"

I partly open my eyes and see the face of a woman with grey hair.

"Mr. Fallows, can you hear me? I'm Dr. Grayson. Do you remember you are in a Philadelphia hospital?"

"Yes, what happened to me?"

"You fell."

"Where is Renee? Is she OK?"

The doctor looks briefly puzzled, and says, "Do you remember what happened to you?"

"No. Where is Renee? Was she hurt too?"

She speaks to Denise, who shakes her head.

"Mr. Fallows, there is no Renee here. Mr. Fallows, you have been in a coma. Do you understand, a coma?"

I nod, indicating that I understand.

"How long, in coma. How long."

"Ten years," she said quietly.