Drown

Wake up

As I lay in the hospital bed, the room seemed unfamiliar and foreign. The light dimmed, casting a sombre atmosphere over the space. Confusion clouded my mind as I tried to make sense of my surroundings. A nurse entered the room, followed closely by my mother. Their presence brought a glimmer of comfort amidst the uncertainty.

The nurse greeted me with a warm smile, exclaiming, "Ooooo, you're finally awake!" Her words only added to my bewilderment. I couldn't comprehend what she meant by "awake."

Perplexed, I furrowed my brow and asked, "Awake? What do you mean?"

With a gentle tone, the nurse explained, "You've been asleep for quite some time after your accident." Her words hung in the air, leaving me even more bewildered.

I glanced at both the nurse and my mother, desperately seeking answers. The nurse, sensing my confusion, kindly offered to leave us alone so my mother could provide the much-needed explanation.

As the nurse exited the room, my mother settled herself on the edge of my bed, ready to unravel the mystery that had enveloped me. She began, "You were involved in an accident, dear. You crashed into a lake. But don't worry, it wasn't your fault. A drunk driver in a black car cut you off, causing your brake lines to snap."

Relief washed over me as I realized it wasn't my own negligence that led to the accident. My mother continued, recounting the events that unfolded after the crash. "Fortunately, there were witnesses who saw the whole thing. They managed to rescue you when you lost consciousness after hitting your head on the steering wheel."

Gratitude swelled within me, knowing that I had been saved and that justice was served with the arrest of the reckless driver. My mother's words made sense, yet there was an underlying feeling of disbelief. It was a lot to process, and she could see the weight of it all on my shoulders. Sensing my need for solitude, she left me alone in the room to piece together the fragments of my memory.

Left to my own thoughts, I couldn't help but question the reality of it all. Was it merely a dream, conjured up by my subconscious? Or could it be a message from my late brother, guiding me through my dreams to uncover the truth? Countless questions swirled in my mind, but answers eluded me.

I started to rub my head, still trying to understand what's going on. The confusion I felt was overwhelming, as if someone had turned my world upside down. But there was something I desperately needed to confirm, a nagging uncertainty that had taken hold of my thoughts and refused to let go.

Determined to find answers, I called my mother into the room. She entered with a concerned expression, her eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and worry. Sensing the weight of my turmoil, she asked how she could help. I hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the burning question that consumed me.

Finally, I mustered the courage to ask. "Mom, did I have a twin brother?" The words hung in the air, the silence thick with anticipation. My mother's face softened, her eyes glistening with warmth and fondness. She let out a gentle laugh, a sound that carried a mix of nostalgia and affection.

With a tender smile, she responded, "If only that were true, but the Lord blessed me with one precious child to love. And love him I do, more than words could ever express." Her words were like a balm to my troubled soul, easing the ache that had settled deep within me.

Returning her smile, I spoke softly, my voice filled with comfort and gratitude, "Okay mom, and I love you too." There was a brief moment of tranquillity between us, a serene connection that brought solace amidst chaos.

As my mother prepared to leave the room, her footsteps growing faint, my attention turned to the family photo sitting besides me. Holding it close to my heart, I noticed how my hands trembled with anticipation. With trembling fingers, I carefully removed the picture from its frame, tracing the edges with a sense of urgency and hope.

Patiently, I scanned the photo from top to bottom, my eyes meticulously analysing every detail. As minutes turned into an eternity, my heart raced, each beat echoing the uncertainty that lingered within me. And then, just when I was beginning to lose hope, I found it – the confirmation I had been desperately seeking.

A piercing realization struck me, and I felt a surge of both excitement and trepidation. With a mix of determination and apprehension, I whispered silently to myself, "A piece of this picture has been cut off."

The end?