I realize when we arrive at the hospital that I don't even know the boy's name, so when they ask me I have to tell them that I don't know. They then have to send someone back to the park to find the guy's car - and his wallet - to get an ID of him.
As we wait for them to come back I hold his hand, letting him know that someone is there for him. I know that when I was in the hospital after my event, I was very happy to know that someone was there for me, and I wanted to be that person for this boy.
When the doctor comes back and tells me that the boy's name is Matthew Ryan Ferguson, I smile. It's such a sweet and innocent name. the smile quickly falters when they come back from checking on his previous hospital records and tell me that he has an illness that will never be treated. I don't even know this boy and I still cry.
I cry for the boy and his family, I cry because I may never hear the boy's voice, and I cry because I feel this strange connection to Matthew. One that make me feel drawn to him, almost like if I wanted to leave I wouldn't be able to. It's a strange feeling to have towards a complete stranger.
I fall asleep next to him while he rests, and for the first time in almost a year I have a dreamless sleep.
I am shaken awake by the feeling of Matthew's hand moving in mine and I immediately sit up to look at his gorgeous face, which is smiling down at me.
"I knew you couldn't resist me!" he exclaims, smiling even bigger.
I just smile up at him. I can't even find words for the emotions I am feeling. It's so strange how happy I am right now. I haven't been this happy since before my incident and now I am absolutely elated by the sight of this boy.
"What's your name?" he asks and I cant help but smile bigger at how amazing his voice sounds in my ears.
"Kayla."
"Well Kayla, I'm slightly embarrassed," I give him a questioning look and he explains, "Here I am trying to impress this beautiful girl that I see at the park, and I push myself so hard that I pass out. How embarrassing is that!"
He starts laughing so hard that I can't help but laugh too.
"Don't be embarrassed Matthew. You can't help what happened."
"Wait," he eyes me suspiciously, "How do you know my name? I never told you!"
"The doctors had to go back to the park and get your ID out of your car to figure out what was wrong with you..."
"Shit." he says looking down, the smile completely gone from his face.
"What's wrong!"
"I didn't want you to know about this. People always treat me differently when they find out. No one really understands what it feels like to be this close to death all the time."
I laugh. I actually laugh at him.
"Matt, have you looked at me?"
"What do you mean?" he looks confused.
"My scars. I know exactly what it feels like to be on the edge of death," and with that I begin to tell this complete stranger my story.
