carolina.

one.

 My eyes flutter open as I stare back at the bright light above me.

Blink.

Everything begins to focus as I struggled to pull myself into an upright position. My mother sits in a chair next to what appears to be my hospital bed. Tubes are connected to my arms , I see the fluid pass through them like a running faucet. Memories flood my mind in flashes as I recall how I got here. I stare down at my nails, which are unruly to say at the least. Under these "claws" of mine are thick layers of dirt. My head snaps in my mothers direction. I see her open her eyes and smile. Tears run down her face. Why is she crying? Have I done something?

"Mom , how long was I asleep?"

She shakes her head in disbelief before leaving the room. I go back to cleaning my nails for about ten seconds before my focus is interrupted by a crowd of nurses and doctors coming to check on me.

"What's going on?" , I question. 

No response. I feel ignored , useless. Can they even hear me? Finally a young doctor approaches me. He seems pained. As if what he is about to say will hurt me.

"Carolina , you have been in a coma for nine years."

Nine years. I mouth the words as I try to figure out the math. I would have to be about twenty-for or five by now. What about school? My diploma? College? Panic takes hold of me. I rip needles from my arms and get out of the bed, ignoring the searing pain. I'm barefoot , and the ground here is cold. I attempt running , but I'm too dizzy. Everything seems to become a blur , and then nothing.

Blank.

My mind seems to be empty. My body is numb , and my head is pounding. I try to open my eyes , but it seems I am locked inside of my own brain. It must be the body's way of telling me to give in to the urges. Let sleep pull me in again. I just have to hope it won't be for as long as before. Then finally it's here again.

Peace.