The Hourglass

Chapter XI.

My heart pounded, it wasn't fear nor anything but it pounded through confusion. I slowly backed out of my room and onto the landing where I met my sister's intense eyes which I could sense that it was anger that resurfaced.

If it's four years since I've left..Then it must be 2023!

Jasmin: Rach, please!

Rachelle: Don't 'please' me. Tell me where the hell you went!

Jasmin: I..What happened on the very day our parents died?

Rachelle was racked by both anger and sadness, I could see that tears started to stream down her face and her eyes boiled with more anger and frustration. 

Rachelle: That's what you're telling me?! Oh for god sake! They died! You fucking killed them both!

Rachelle lashed out again and struck the stair bannister with the bat.

Jasmin: I..I didn't mean to, I can't even remember kicking dad's seat!

Rachelle: At least you get to forget! I never could. You took them from me!

I backed up further which lead me to the stairs. After slowly walking a few strides backwards, I noticed my head suddenly throbbed with intense pain and my vision blurred. Before I could say anything further, I lost my balance and fell backwards down the stairs. My head struck first on the wooden floor, upon impact, I immediately lost consciousness. Within a matter of time, I slip in and out of consciousness as I realised I was driven to the hospital while hearing faint siren sounds. Only semi aware of what's going on, I was at the back of the ambulance and my sister was there with me.

Rachelle: Sis- it'll be okay. Y-You're going to be okay.

I'll..be fine, Rachelle.

I lost consciousness once more.

---

Sometime later, I woke up in a hospital bed. The strong, chemical smell of the hospital hits me even before I opened my eyes.

Jasmin: Ugh, my head.

Rachelle: You're awake!

As I opened my eyes, I saw Rachelle sat by a chair beside my bed. Not only, I also saw my ghost floated by the ceiling above me.

Jasmin: Rach?

Rachelle: I-I'm sorry for losing my temper. It's just..you were gone so long, then reappeared again as if nothing had happened. Still, I shouldn't have reacted so poorly.

Jasmin: I accept your apology.

Rachelle: Thank you. It..it's really not like me to lose it.

Jasmin: It's okay, I know it must have been a huge shock for you.

Rachelle: No shit, you still haven't told me where you were.

Jasmin: I..I was in France, with friends.

Rachelle: This isn't you! You wouldn't leave to god who knows what place with your friends without leaving a note or giving me a call!

Jasmin: I..I couldn't explain it, all I can say is that I'm dreadfully sorry for leaving you. Where am I now?

Rachelle: You're in a hospital. Anyways, listen- I need to ask you a favour.

Jasmin: A favour? What?

Rachelle: The police may pay you a visit..to ask how you fell. Can you..will you tell them it was just an accident? Please?

Jasmin: Okay, if you answer some questions.