Infinite- A book of short stories

Anna

What a horrific sight! Her neck seemed too fragile. Her lips dried as a bone. Her eyes drawn back like a rope being pulled. Her cheek bones protruded to an extent that they seemed the only part on her wrinkled, anemic face.

She noticed my presence and said in her faint, enervated voice, “H…holy mother o…of Jesus,” she stammered, “I have a visitor?” 

I was dumbfounded at the condition and I didn’t know what to say. But I had to reply that feeble lady, “I’m Natalie. I’m here to get my ‘drips’ done.”

My eyeballs lowered down and observed her sick, bloodless hands filled with bruises needles. Holy Lord help her! I couldn’t keep that question in my mind any longer so I asked her, “What happened to you? I mean…how?”

She turned her pallid face towards the window and replied, “Anorexia. Stupid “anna”. Last stage, probably. Would take manifold time to recover. Started with a messed up diet plan and ended up in St. Austin’s hospital. My fragile bones curse me every day for doing…doing this to myself.”

Tears rolled down her shrunken face.

I consoled her, “Oh, I’m sorry. Get well soon. By the way, what’s your name?” She answered, “Cookie. Cookie is what I’ve been called since my color changed to a little brown from white. Early stages, I remember. What disease are yousuffering with?”

“Sweetie, I’m suffering from the initial, very early, stage of anna.”

She smiled, “Don’t do this to yourself, Natalie. You see me, no?  Anyways, take your medicines regularly, eat your food properly and you’ll, by the grace of God, get rid of it in no time. Plus, if you want to ask any question about anna, you’re most welcome to come by.”

That day I made a promise to myself that I won’t let anna grow upon me as my will is stronger than its reaction. Would you let it take over you? Think about it. Don’t!