Remember My Dreams

4. Where am I?

POV Elise

I slowly opened my eyes, my mind awakening from a deep, confusing sleep. A strange sensation ran through my body as I became aware of something warm holding my hand. My first instinct was to stretch and push it away, but then it slowly dawned on me that this wasn't my familiar bedroom. It was as if I was waking from a dream, but this time, reality was stranger than my wildest nightmares.
The room was a sea of white, bathed in the bright light of sharp lamps that filled the space with a clinical sheen. The sound of softly humming machines filled my ears, a monotonous symphony of medical equipment surrounding me. It felt like a scene straight out of a science fiction film, only here, in this strange room, it was unfolding in my own life.
Slowly, I turned my head, and my gaze fell on the people standing around my bed, their faces strange and unfamiliar. Fear crept along my spine as I became aware of their presence, my senses on high alert for any hint of danger.
But it was the touch of a hand that drew my attention, an unexpected connection that pulled me from my thoughts. I looked up and met the dark eyes of a young man, his face partially hidden under a cap, his dreadlocks peeking out from underneath. "Elise," he whispered, his voice a soft promise in the quiet room.
My heart pounded wildly in my chest as I tried to process his words. How did he know my name? Who was he? My hand instinctively pulled back, a defense mechanism against the unknown threat he represented. "Who are you?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear as I inched backward, trying to increase the distance between us. But the stranger didn't seem inclined to leave. He stood there, his dark eyes fixed on mine, as if expecting something from me, something I couldn't understand.

A moment later, people in white coats gathered around my bed, like a swarm of bees circling their queen. Their faces were serious, their movements synchronized and deliberate. A young woman, with an air of determination, stepped forward and ordered the others to leave the room. And to my surprise, they obeyed, making me feel slightly more at ease amidst the strange surroundings.
The woman approached me and shone a light in my eyes, her gaze penetrating but friendly. "Good morning," she greeted me with a smile. "I'm Dr. Muller, but you can call me Sophie." Her voice sounded like a source of calming energy amid the chaos overwhelming my mind.
"How are you feeling?" she asked softly, her concerned eyes fixed on me. "Apart from a headache, I don't feel much," I explained, my voice muted by the pain. I hesitated for a moment but decided to ask. "What am I doing here in the hospital?"
"You had a nasty fall, causing you to hit your head on the ground," Sophie explained. "Oh," was all I could muster as I tried to recall the memories of my fall.
"Can you tell me your name?" she asked seriously.
I nodded weakly, my mouth dry from the fear and confusion coursing through my veins. "Elise Schneider," I eventually answered, my voice barely more than a whisper.
Sophie nodded understandingly, her eyes full of compassion. "Can you tell me when you were born?" "June 25, 1992," I replied almost automatically.
"Do you know what day it is today?" Sophie asked, her voice soft but penetrating.
I shook my head, my mind struggling to grasp the time and space around me. "I'm trying to think, but I really can't," I admitted with a sigh of frustration.
While Sophie reassured me, the other doctors performed a physical examination, their hands carefully exploring my body for clues. I felt a wave of relief when they finally left, nodding approvingly to Sophie, who pulled up a chair next to my bed and sat down.
"Most people struggle with that question," she smiled comfortingly. "Elise, can you remember anything about the fall?"
I shook my head again, my hands restless on the hospital bed sheet. At that moment, I felt a sudden pain in my head, like a dagger cutting through my thoughts and clouding my mind. "Ouch," I mumbled, bringing my hands to my head, my fingers brushing over the bandage that now seemed to be my refuge.
"What is the last thing you remember?" she asked, looking at me intently.
Thinking hurt too much, but I tried to recall that memory. "Um, the last thing I remember is going to sleep, and now I'm here," I whispered, my thoughts muddled by the pain.
"Hmm," Sophie murmured, her concern evident on her face. "The blow to your head has probably affected your memory," she explained.
"Were the people who were here earlier familiar to you?" Sophie asked, but I shook my head. "I have no idea who those people were or why they were here."
"The people who were just here are your friends," she said.
"No, that can't be," I whispered softly, my voice filled with confusion. "I don't have any friends," I said, my heart heavy at the thought.
Sophie smiled encouragingly, her eyes full of compassion. "Don't worry, Elise. We'll help you get everything sorted out."
"I'll let you rest for a while," Sophie continued, her voice soft but determined. "The nurse will come to take you for a brain scan later."
I nodded weakly, grateful for the break from the conversation. "Thank you, Doctor," I whispered, my heart filled with gratitude for her support.
Sophie smiled encouragingly, her hand resting on my arm as a beacon of stability amid the chaos of my thoughts. "Everything will be okay, Elise. You're safe here."
She left the room, her presence like a calming breeze swirling through the space. I was left with my confused thoughts and a pounding head, my heart filled with questions and doubts amid the silence of my lonely room.