A SUMMER ROMANCE

6

Annie's POV

It was the morning after Stephanie had left. I couldn't find any strength or motivation to leave the bed. I stared at the ceiling. The day passed, I ignored the grumbling of my stomach, I ignored my phone. I even ignored the door bell, it's not Stephanie why should I open it. I just wanted to end everything. My whole life, a huge disappointment, kept on playing in my mind in a loop. 

I had my fair share of disappointments. The dates I rejected to stay with Stephanie and help her in her homework. The trips my friends took, which I skipped to save money for Stephanie.

I hate being a hairdresser, but the salary was good. I was stuck in a town I hate, I have no friends, I have no life of my own. Let's just end it, that was the only thought that kept repeating in my mind.

I heard a sudden crash downstairs. I just laughed someone had broke into my home, don't they know I'm broke, nothing of value here, not even my life, even that is a huge waste, an disappointment. The thief will be in for a surprise. 

"Her room is upstairs. What is this smell. I think some food is rotting. Hope she is fine," I could hear my boss's voice.

How long have I been here, that these people decided to break in. I shut my eyes to avoid talking to whoever was climbing the stairs, feeling dumb to do so, but wanting to avoid human contact at any cost.

"Hey Annie wake up," I heard a soft voice. It felt like a voice of a mother waking up her daughter. I had never heard that, but always imagined.

I just smiled in response, loving the soothing effect the voice was having over me. 

"Is she alive?" the shrill voice of my boss. No I wanted to hear the soothing voice, not my boos's voice. Send her out. I passed out thinking if she will stroke my hair and kiss my forehead.

I felt sudden jerks, someone was carrying me. Someone was strapping me on a stretcher, am I dead. They were checking my pulse, poking my arm. I felt being carried. They were talking, all at once, it was confusing. I thought sleeping was better than this. I continued my sleep.

"Hey Annie," it was a young voice, yet soothing.

"Try and open your eyes dear," she was gently shaking me.

I tried to open my eyes, but they seemed glued. I tried again and was able to open a bit. The light was blinding, it was so harsh. I felt heavy and sleepy. I knew better than to sleep, these people won't let me just sleep. Let me just see what they want, check on Stephanie, then go back to sleep. All these thoughts were going on in my mind.

Someone was again shaking my shoulder slowly, as if I was fragile piece of glass about to shatter.

"Y yyess," I felt like glass was scraping my throat. My voice was hoarse.

"What do you want?" I asked again, not sure what to ask them.

"Annie, dear you are at the hospital. Your boss found you, after you didn't turn up at work for a week. How are you feeling now?" I could see a nurse.

"A week. I just lay down on bed yesterday night." I replied. 

I remember sleeping for a night and wasting just a day on bed sulking. A week. Was I really sleeping for so long.

"How long since I shifted here. I think this is a hospital," I asked. taking in my surroundings.

"Well you are here from past three days. Today is your fourth day. Would like to call someone, family, friends" the nurse was literally emitting sunlight. How can anyone be so bright. Thinking I passed out again.

"Hey someone's awake," came a chirpy voice. She was a different nurse. I could see from the window, it was night. Did I again sleep for few days or is it the same day. I was completely lost and confused.

"Let me call the doctor," she went out.

I tried sitting up but I had completely forgotten the use of my body. I just couldn't co ordinate. Is that even possible.

"Hey Annie," called out the doctor. He seemed like a sweet old man.

"Hey," I said trying to smile back, but not sure if I did smile.

"How long since day three. I remember I woke up in between,"

"Well that was a week back," he smiled back. I could just gasp.

"My sister," I asked trying to see around, very well knowing she won't be here.

"We tried contacting her, she said she is not related to you," he smiled and looked sympathetic.

"But you are awake. You will start a bit of exercise from tomorrow, but for now rest and please wake up in the morning." saying he went away and so did the nurse. I try to rest as directed.