In My Life

Chapter 52

"We're all mad here." I smiled weakly to myself, gazing down at the book in awe.

Alice in wonderland had always been one of John's favourites.

I flicked through each fragile page gently, embracing the John- scented aroma it possessed, and mourning the good old days we'd had.
I couldn't believe what had become of him. I didn't think I'd ever come to terms with the fact that my John was gone.

I closed the book with a heavy sigh, tucking it away in the draw beside my bed where I knew it would be safe, and took a seat in front of the mirror again, observing the damage done. It didn't look any better; still a fleshy red colour in the shape of a hand mark. I just prayed it would calm itself down by morning.

"Sam?" I heard mother call. "You alright Sam? You're awfully quiet." Her voice echoed softly, as I heard her making her way upstairs.

Alertedly, my eyes widened, and I dived from my dresser into my bed, lying sideways with my florid cheek immersed into the pillow.

"Sam?" Mother repeated, poking her head around the door. "Are you tired pet?"

I nodded my head, praying on the inside that she'd leave, but she instead fully entered, only to perch herself on the edge of my bed, fulfilling me with a whirlwind of frustration.

"Honey, you don't look too good." She pouted, stroking my forehead tenderly with her thumb, easing my tensions slightly to finally feel my mothers comforting touch. "You've got a temperature as well!"

I shrugged rather mutually about how rotten I felt, as it perfectly complemented how badly my world had been falling apart recently. A minor temperature was really the least on my troubles.

"I'll go get you some ice." She beamed considerately, rising from the bed to fetch the ice.

She returned minutes later with a freezing cloth containing ice cubes inside its wrapped layers.

"Thanks mum." I smiled, refraining from ever raising my head to reveal my sore cheek.

"No problem dear, just call if you need me." She winked kindly, kissing my forehead before leaving me in peace to rest.

The moment she was out of sight, I rested my cheek to the cool ice pack, relieving it with sensations of ease and tranquility. I must have fallen asleep like that, as when I awoke the next morning, my pillow case was soaked through and through, and my cheek as numb as ever.

I dashed for the mirror instantly after waking, only to be heartily amused by the tremendous advancement in the colour of my cheek, having now descended to a light blue instead of red.

I peeked through the blind of my window, only to be stunned by the shining beams of the sun shimmering down upon Liverpool. Today seemed a perfectly set morning: blue skies, gleefully chirping birds, sunny rays, and a nice light breeze to tie it all together. Though, to me, it felt almost the opposite, as I wanted nothing more than to hide away in my bed for all eternity. Never having to face anybody again.