GASP

- Prologue -

Prologue - GASP

   I open my eyes and stare at the pristine, white ceiling that adduces no signs of discontent. The brightness isn't too good for my tired eyes. While I squint, my brows meet in the middle of my forehead, before a frown takes place. Only when I raise my hand to gently massage my temples, in hope that my headache would go away, I notice that I am provided with an oxygen hose. My eyes wander with a mixture of curiosity and fear around the room, which seems surprisingly clean and sterile. I've never seen a place so clean like this one before.

   On the left side of my metal bed is a small, blue tray that is equipped with a bowl and a glass of water. The few bubbles tell me that it must have been standing there for a while. I would risk a look into the small plastic bowl and find a white, viscous substance. The food in front of me is not particularly fresh, so I opt for the glass of water. No one has ever cared for my drink, let alone food.

   With all the force I try to lift my arm and win the fight against the pain in my chest. Only now I notice the needle in my left hand. Curious eyes wander along the hose that leads under the bed. As much as I want to see what it leads to, I decide to not even give it a try. I don't want to risk anything.

  My physical condition and strength of my muscles, allow me to lift the glass with much effort. Slowly, I draw it towards my dry mouth, with the intention to not stylish myself. The cool water awakens my senses. Again, my eyes wander around the room. This time, I recognize the curtain to my right. It is white, too, but it is the first time I'm noticing a trace of dirt at the end of the cloth that hangs to the floor. Lost in thought, I put the glass back on the tray and wonder who or what might be hidden behind it.

  All of my memories are wiped out as much as the reason for why I'm in this room, plugged into different equipment. I don't understand. Has it become so bad? I put my forehead in wrinkles. My empty mind is trying to look for a possible solution for this exceptional stay.

  I need an explanation, clarification, any hint. Something that would inform me about why I'm in this white place. I want to know who is there beside me. When I'm in the building, which I'm suspecting to be trapped in, then I could be in this room, both, alone or with someone else. Maybe the person over there has gone through what I went through? Maybe he or she can tell me?! Maybe it's him, Casper!

Maybe, maybe, maybe. If I could only move and find out.

   My fingers wander along the rough material of the thin quilt, which, though not much, protects my body from the cold. The thin blue stripes intercept as the dotted blue material ends and terminates short before the metal of the bed. From my neck down to my ankles I feel naked from the side which is turned to the mattress.

   I want to check my suspicions, just as I hear a gasp behind the white curtain and it frightens me. Tense and with a trembling lip I swallow down my fear and try to sit up a little. My strength could still be used for a move to the glass, but sitting up seems to be another problem. The pain that passes through my chest and makes my breathing more difficult, is way too heavy.

   I hear a rumbling, then heavy footsteps. They are irregular, walk sipping on the squeaky floor of the room. Sometimes I hear higher rattling, then the steps become louder and I recognize the black shadow, which is reflected on the shiny floor.

  My heart starts to beat faster as I nervously bite on my bottom lip.

Who is that?

Will they hurt me?

   My toes cramp up and my hands are fisting the thin blanket between my dainty fingers. The pain is getting stronger, the faster my heart beats. I feel as if my chest could explode in any second. The pressure is insufferable. Then there is the headache, the fear of the inexplicable hoses that lead into my body and the person who seems to be with me, in the exact same room.