Curtain Call

Chapter twelve

I was in my room, thinking about what had happened today. They said that the blindness was a symptom of the episode that Clay had had, proving that his cancer was worsening. I remembered when these words had been spoken to me as the patient, and I was concerned for the boy. Also for his sister. She hadn't said much to me. As I was leaving, I watched at her gaze emptily at Clay and, putting aside my biased sentiments toward her, I decided that she needed a hug. I did not expect her to accept my comfort, and she was startled at first, but then she pulled me closer, grasping me like I was all she had left. She sobbed onto my shoulder. I held her. My bully.

My head was pounding. My eyes were feeling the strain of concentrating too hard. I decided to go outside, hoping that the fresh air would clear my head. The dizziness I had gotten at the hospital had not gone away. It had remained all day, bringing a few other symptoms to join it. My stomach turned as I stood up. I felt breathless. I tried to take a step but the world kept spinning. The next thing I knew I was on the ground. How did I get here? What is going on? What is wrong with me? My breathing kept getting shallower and shallower. I was gasping.

"Mom! Mom, I need help.....mom....anyone..." My vision started to go dark. I could faintly see the blurry outline of someone leaning over me. One last thought bounced through my head before I passed out. Here we go again.