Sleeping Life Away

From a Dream (Chapter 1)

Chapter 1

They sat on a bench in the park. Trees and grass seemed all that surrounded them. Tears still streamed down the faces of the two girls. Miles could only watch uncomfortably as Kaylee’s heart continued to break before his eyes. Alondra cried more for her sister’s pain than her own. The loss of their mother just days ago had been hardest on Kaylee. She and their mother had been so close.

Alondra clutched at the small brown paper bag in her lap. Seated between Miles and Kaylee, she could clearly see the pain on both faces. Miles and Kaylee had been planning to get married next week. Now Kaylee was drawing so far away from both of them that it didn’t seem likely. Alondra’s fingers closed compulsively around the paper bag. What she was about to suggest could ruin her career as a scientist, but she had to offer. She knew what she was doing, but was still not sure that it was the right thing to do.

Kaylee turned herself around on the bench, leaning over the back of the bench and sobbing into her folded arms. Alondra forced her eyes away from her sister and turned to Miles. “This is going to help her, help both of you. I’m giving you the choice. What I havehere will make you sleep. When you wake up, the grieving process will be done. Your mind will take care of it while you sleep. No dreams, just a peaceful rest.” Alondra glanced at her sister. The sobbing continued as though Kaylee had heard nothing.

Miles never took his eyes off of Kaylee as he asked, “How long?”

Alondra could only shake her head. “It's still in the experimental stage. We don’t know how long she might be out. Weeks, maybe months. We know that the drug works, but the time frame seems vary. Each case has been different.”

Alondra opened the bag. Slowly she pulled out a vial of clear liquid and two syringes. She drew the liquid into the first syringe and replaced the needle cover. Alondra opened his hand and laid the syringe in it for him to hold for her. She started to prepare the second syringe as she spoke again. “Kaylee needs this, you can see that. I am giving you the chance to go under with her, to stay beside her through this.” Alondra stared at the needle in her hand.

After a moment, she turned back to her sister. “Kaylee? Can you hear me, honey? I have something here that will help you. Kaylee? Please, say something.” No answer came as Kaylee’s shoulders continued to shake with her sobs.

Tears streamed anew down Alondra’s face. She knew what she had to do. She didn’t know how much longer Kaylee could continue this way before her mind broke. Alondra pulled an alcohol swab from the paper bag and cleaned a spot on Kaylee’s upper arm. Kaylee didn’t even notice as the needle went in.

Only a moment after Alondra removed the needle did Kaylee become aware that something had happened. Kaylee lifted her head from her arms to look at her sister. Not understanding, she asked, “What have you done? Why am I suddenlyso tired?”

Alondra could only force out the words, “I had to.”

Kaylee stared at her for a few moments. Her vision slowly went dark and her head returned to resting on her arms. The last thing Kaylee heard was Miles’ voice saying, “That didn’t look like a choice to me.”