Who Broke The Universe?

A Bumpy Ride

I woke on a beach. Sounds wonderful doesn't it? Too bad I wasn't in the right mood to enjoy it. My arms and legs were completely covered up with  completely scratches-a reminder of my bumpy landing.

I felt disoriented and for once was thankful that my portal-induced vertigo made me feel nothing. The smell of the ocean quickly brought me back to reality.

I'm a criminal. I thought. At that moment I felt an influx of emotion. I wanted to cry but I just couldn't find it in me. My whole world just went up in smoke. And there was nothing I could do about it.

Oh well.

I checked on Experiment BT6789. It was dry. At least one good thing came about all this.

I sat up and tried to dust myself. I don't know why I bothered. I had sand everywhere. Even in my afro.

I slumped back down. What was I going to do? I had no job. No money. No home...

Before I could think any further... I felt my body shutdown. My eyelids closed on their own accord. And I fell into a dreamless slumber.

"Is she awake?" "Is she even alive?" "Think she's dead?" I slowly opened my eyes. And saw a crowd of people surrounded around me. I must have been asleep for a few hours.

They all looked shocked. As if they didn't expect me to wake up.
"Miss? Are you alright?" It took a second to register that he meant me. "Yes, yes I'm fine." I said.

The crowd quickly dispersed after that. The first wave of withdrawal hit me. It hit me hard. Flashes of pain crossed my eyes, and I staggered back. Onlookers looked away and quickly scurried off with their children.

Wow. I must really look awful.

With my painkillers finished, and no food or any money for that matter. I guess you could have called me homeless. And I was quite literally homeless. How am I  still alive? I don't know. It's a real blessing though.

Hours rolled by and quickly turned out to weeks. I don't even know how long I was on the streets. But I know it was absolute hell. Withdrawal was the worst experience. Number one on the list. When you're having hallucinations and always in pain you forget about feeding your body. Or taking a shower.

But it got better. I remember the day I was able to think clearly for the first time. It felt alien, but good.

As I walked down the street I couldn't help but feel everyone's eyes were on me. Whispers and snide comments flittered in the air.

I happened to look at my reflection on the wall of a building. I barely recognized myself. My teenage acne was back. And my hair...my beautiful hair was in complete disarray.

I heard the sound of sirens in the background but ignored it and continued walking. One particular store caught my eye. Through the see through window.

The news headlines, "Anthropocene, the sixth extinction has become a reality. Last week, the world's last tiger died. Mr Khan, the minister of Environmental Affairs says the country is doing all it can to save..."

I was too engrossed by the news that I didn't even notice the heavy boots behind me. My arms were roughly grabbed and chained.

I just got arrested.