Gory Glory // l.t au

1 - Louis

Louis

My eyes sprung open and I sat up in my bed, momentarily bewildered by my unfamiliar surroundings. It was completely silent except for the gentle rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor.

A hospital? Why was I in a hospital? The last thing I could remember was wishing my little sister, Jessie, goodbye as I crossed the road. I recalled the deafening blast of a horn and the illuminating circles getting closer and closer. Memories of Jessie's blood-curdling screech sent shivers down my spine.

What had happened after that?

I tried desperately to claw at my memory in hopes of it returning, drag myself back to the past and relive it; but it was as if the light bulb had not only turned out, but smashed completely.

I pressed the button at the side of my bed, alerting the nurses I was awake. Nothing happened for a while so I tried again. No response.

“Nurse?” I called out. I was surprised at how raspy my voice sounded – how long had I been out? I stressfully raked my fingers through my hair, only to find it greasy and tangled. It appeared to have grown as well. Had I really been unconscious for that long?

I lifted my arms and examined them for any evidence of an accident – any clues as to why I was here. Only then did I realize I was dressed in a crisp-white hospital gown. There were no bruises, no cuts, nothing. I continued to inspect my body but there was not a single sign of any type of injury. It was as if I had been merely asleep.

Pushing the sheet off of me, I swung my legs out from the bed. I stood upright, but my legs felt like jelly. I grabbed onto the frame of the bed, regaining my balance. After I had steadied myself and my head rush had passed, I hesitantly made my way to the door. But I stopped in my tracks when I noticed my clothes folded up neatly on a chair. My blue and white striped shirt, jeans and white vans. I wasted no time in stripping off my uncomfortable gown and replacing it with my outfit. I felt a little more normal with my own clothes on – a little more like me.

I approached the door and slowly turned the handle. I heard it click before I lightly pushed it open. The lights were out, it looked like the electricity had been cut. Purposely or accidentally, I was unsure.

There was an occasional drip, but I failed to locate it's whereabouts. That was the only sound I could hear in the entire hospital. I slowly walked down the corridor, the tapping of my feet echoing quietly.

“Hello?” I called warily. As I had anticipated, there was no response.

I turned a corner and gasped in shock when I saw a dried pool of blood, a trail leading further down the corridor. It was almost as if something had been dragged across the ground – or someone. I reluctantly followed the trail, fearing what it may lead me to. To my surprise, it just...ended. Except for a few smears, it was as if it had just disappeared into thin air. However, it did lead me to something interesting. Light streamed through the large mahogany door ahead of me.

Outside.

Do I dare leave the hospital?

I headed to the door and pulled it towards me, squinting as the sun's rays hit me like a ton of bricks, momentarily blinding me. After my eyes had adjusted to the brightness, I continued my trek forward. I couldn't believe it, the streets were completely deserted. Like some sort of ghost town; I haven't seen anything like this ever – it was unreal.

I made my way down the empty street in search of civilisation. I thought for a moment I could call for someone, but I knew it was pointless. My unanswered beg for company would make me feel even more lonely than I already was.