404

The Gloom

"Tell me what happened that day, kid."

"It's kinda hard to recall miss, i- it's too blurry to remember."

"Just tell us what you remember, we'd love to hear it."

"Uhm, let see here..."

It was quite a dim day from what I can recall. I didn't see many people around,(sarcastically) obviously it was near the tree patch within the school but... I remember waking up in itchy, extremely itchy. I thought maybe the dry grass pierced through my jacket but my head was so painful I could not really tell whether or not that's the case.

I remember laying down on the ground next to a piece of metal and what seems to be paper trash... After I laid there for hours I suppose, I stood up still baffled by what's happening. I took my bag, the piece of metal, and I can't remember what else... Anywho, I stood up, my head still heavy and eyesight still blurred but nevertheless, capable of walking. I tried to walk immediately no doubt but... I was still too dizzy. I remember trying to force myself to walk and still being incapable of standing up straight. (chuckles) I was like a newborn baby trying to walk.

I can't remember much of the detail but what I do remember is continuously stumbling around the sidewalk near the tree patch until my hands were too sore to take any fall anymore. The pain was unbearable! I'm sure if someone told me that I had a stick coming out of my head I'd believe them in a heartbeat. Anyways, I believe it was like an hour and a half before any saw me. At that point, my throat's already bleeding but I kept up trying to call for help.

A couple saw me. One fine fella wearing a jacket with whom I believe his missis since she was dressed with as fine a dress a the man. They saw me and approached me. I was already almost passing out by this point, according to what they told me, but my downward position made my breathing restricted so I was still somewhat conscious. I remember them trying to ask me if I were alright then calling help to pick me up and bring me to the hospital.

At Saint Louise Hospital if I remember correctly, that is where I regained my full consciousness but was still in a bit of pain from my headache but it was subsiding. I recall seeing the television on with news reporting about all of these missing people but I paid no attention to the drama of other people. Then, the man came in and sat beside me. He said

"How are you boy?" The man asked.

"I'm fine sir. My head is still quite agonizing but I can handle it." I replied.

"That's great news. You know the doctor told me that with your concussion, you should've been gone by now if weren't able to see you on that sidewalk. You're one blessed boy." The man then added. 

"Thank you sir for helping me. It was really painful being on that sidewalk yelling for help while my head continues to crush itself. I owe you a big one sir." I said to him pitching my voice a little low and a bit softer as to show a very thankful tone.

"You don't need to keep calling me sir, sonny, you can call me Mr. Alex short for Alexander Stephenson. Also, anyone who would've seen you on that pavement would've done the same thing especially when the one crying is a kid. What I suggest is to keep resting and regain your strength back so afterward, we could find your parents." The man... I mean Mr. Stephenson said.

I replied "Yes sir, I mean, Mr. Alex." as he stands up and walks towards the door.

As he exited the room, I realize something. I. Didn't. Know. My. Name. I tried for several minutes to recall it thinking that since my head went through a lot of trauma, it gave no attention to recollection but rather, rehabilitation. After several tries, I realized it was hopeless, I don't know who I was. A bit of memory was still in my noggin but overall, gone. I was panicking. I didn't know what to do or say to Mr. Stephenson when he comes back asking for my name. I was in total hopelessness.

I tried to continue sleep thinking that it would serve me my name but all I saw is just a shadowy recollection of what happened earlier. That turned out to be useless. And after that day, maybe two, Mr. Stephenson came back. Sure enough, I can see files in his hands which I presumed was for questions. He asked me how I was doing and I said that I was a little nauseous but all in all fine. And so it happens, what I was afraid of

"So tell me, sonny, what's your name so we could find your parents." Mr. Stephenson asked.

"I'm so sorry Mr. Alex but I don't remember my name, or anything at all to be frank with you Mr. Alex. "  I responded after a few seconds.

"Oh, sweet mother of...  that was what I was afraid of. The doctor said that your concussion was so severe that he wouldn't be surprised if you had major mental issues. I'll go get him." Mr. Alex worriedly said to me.

And that's the moment I knew, my past was erased.