My Curse

Session 2

       I woke up in my bed, a cup of tea next to me on the bedside table. I tried to sit up but it felt like someone was sitting on my chest. With the help of a few pillows I managed to pull myself into a sitting position.
My whole body ached as I sat there. I began to sip at the tea when I heard water running upstairs. Someone was taking a bath. With that, realization sunk in. I remembered the moments before I passed out and cringed. The reality was too much to deal with so I laid down, rolled over, and went back to sleep.
When I finally woke up again it was dark out. I sluggishly crawled out of bed and made my way to the kitchen. I needed medicine and I needed it fast. It felt like my whole body was put into slow motion. When I attempted to move an faster I was put into incredible pain. If a trailer had rolled over my body after I was set on fire I would still feel better than I did in that moment. It was pure hell and yet I embraced it as an old friend. After three years you get so used to feeling terrible that each time becomes familiar in a comforting way.
It's like laying in the sun without sunscreen. You can feel the heat on your skin and it stings but you lay longer still. It hurts but also is so warm and sweet you can't help it. Later you're left with a burn that is full of regret.
When people ask, this is how I explain Nikova, a man who strikes so much fear and yet can joke around with me. I was reminded of the sweet warmth of Nikova when I finally made it to the kitchen. He was asleep in a chair, head resting on the table. Near him was a bottle of Ibuprofen, a glass of water, and a bowl of soup. I couldn't help but feel warmed in that moment.
I took two pills and sat down. He didn't stir and I was contemplating how to move him to the couch. Just as I decided to try to wake him, I heard three hard knocks on the door. There is only one person I know who knocks at this time of the night. I was not in the mood to see him. I gathered myself up and began walking to the door. As I reached for the handle the door flew open. Rain and wind blew into the house as a figure stood hunched over. With a gruff voice he muttered something of an apology and walked in.
"I was about to get the door you know." I mumbled, not really annoyed but not looking forward to a repeat later in life.
"It was raining and you could have been asleep. I counted to ten, I gave you reasonable time." His voice was unwavering and stiff.
"What if I was undressed or had someone over? I'm a 23 year old single woman, it could happen." I crossed my arms over my chest and looked at him defiantly.
"I've been your physician since you were six. Not only have I seen you undressed reeking havoc in my office but I also know that you would never invite a man into this house until you were for sure that Nikova would not visit. We both have seen his anger get out of control." He talked so matter of fact I didn't even bother to defend my point.
"Why are you hear Doc?"
"I heard he was back. Judging by your current state I'll assume my informant was correct." Even as the words left his mouth he was pulling medicine out of his big black bag.
"You heard right. He's in the kitchen right now. You don't suppose you'd help me move him to a couch would you? He's such a deep sleeper and when he wakes up he'll be so mad I let him sleep there all night." I knew I was rambling but I couldn't help it. A visit from both these men means I'm in for a very painful few weeks. I always blabber when I'm nervous.
He didn't answer me. Just simply walked into the kitchen. I followed close behind like a shadow. In one swift move the doctor picked up Nikova and moved him to the patio couch near the table.
"I'll be setting up in your room. Drink some tea and then come up immediately. I have some very important news regarding my trip here." Before I could even blink an eye he was walking out of the room, his dark jacket trailing behind him. I sighed and slumped into a chair. I felt awful and was not in a mood for another depressing talk. Doctors seem to have a way of making you confused, depressed, and still slightly hopeful at the same time. In my case though, it was always false hope. Glancing around the small yellow kitchen I had no idea that was about to change.