The Risen

Chapter 13: The Blood Results

        I groggily open my eyes. I slowly run my tongue over my chapped lips. How long was I asleep?

        I look around the room. It's light this time, since it isn't in the middle of the night anymore. To my right is a big window that views the busy city streets four floors below. In front of me is an old-fashioned 42 inch TV screen. To my left is a bedside table with a lamp. My Mom sits in the same chair as before, flipping through a magazine distractedly. An IV is stuck through the big vein in the crook of my right arm, below the ugly bite marks. .

        "Hey, Mom," I croak. My voice sounds really hoarse. 

        Mom closes the magazine and looks at me. 

        "Hi, sweetheart. The blood is analyzed," Mom says. 

        "What's wrong with me?" I ask. 

        "Well, bacteria from the bite got into your blood system. The bacteria is so strong that it started ripping your muscles apart. They're going to have to do surgery. They will have to remove the infected skin and muscle tissue," Mom tells me.

        I lay back down on the comfy pillows. 

        "How did they get my arm to stop spasming?" I wonder aloud. 

        Mom gestures to the IV poking into my vein.

        "Oh. Where's Keira and Mrs. Doble?" 

        "In the waiting room. I'll be right back. I'm going to go get the doctor."

        My stomach growls. 

        "And I'll ask if you're allowed to have food before the surgery," Mom adds. 

        After a few minutes of waiting, Mom and the male doctor return. 

        "Hello, Holli. How are you feeling? Any pain?" the doctor asks. 

        I shake my head. "Nope, I feel fine. Just hungry." 

        "Yes, you would be. You've been asleep for six hours," the doctor replies. "Your surgery will take place this evening. Has your mother told you what's going to be done?"

        "Yeah."

        "Good. I'm sorry to say, though, you are not able to eat, but you are allowed to drink. Let me know if you need anythting." The doctor smiles, and leaves the room. 

        The rest of the day, I'm bored out of my mind. I watch movies for a while, and go to the bathroom repeatedly, because I am drinking so much in an attempt to fill my stomach up so I'm no longer hungry. The doctors let me walk through the hallways, but it's embarrassing in my mint green and light blue hospital gown.

        Keira and Mrs. Doble come in for a little while, but they leave because I keep complaining about how hungry I am. That, and they don't like the sight of my arm.

        At long last, it is time for the surgery. I'm not sure if I'm happy I don't have to wait any longer, or worried that something will go wrong. 

        The nurses make Mom go to the waiting room. They inject something into me with a syringe. I realize it must be medicine to make me sleep, because in seconds I am no longer conscious.

                                                                                        ^^^^^

        I am awake again. 

        The rays of dawn are visible over the horizon. Many tall work buildings are still lit up. Streetlights line the streets that no longer have as many cars driving on them.

        I wonder how many houses were raided, and how many people were killed while I was asleep. I sigh. Stupid arm. The zombies would most likely be gone if not for it. My plan could've already been launched and put into action. 

        Sometimes I really hate life. 

        I still have an IV in my arm. My right bicep is wrapped in bandages again. 

        I sigh and press the button to summon my nurse or doctor. Within a minute, a female nurse with hazel eyes and brown hair that reaches her shoulders is by my bed.

        I immediately ask her if I can eat. She laughs and says she'll get me some food. She returns about 10 minutes later, pushing a cart with a glass of milk, a plate of eggs, bacon, and an orange.

        I remember back to health class last year when we learned about the 6 different nutrients. I recognize the milk, bacon, and eggs to be high in protein, which will help my muscle tissue repair itself. The orange is Vitamin C. It will help prevent infection.

        Anyway, Mom comes in shortly after I awkwardly eat my breakfast with my left hand. She tells me I have to spend two days in the hospital to make sure the surgery is working.

        Great. More waiting. Just what I love.