Wake Up Caroline

(16)

"I know you're scared, I can feel it. It's in the air, I know you feel that, too. But take a chance on me. You won't regret it, no
One more "No" and I'll believe you. I'll walk away and I will leave you be. And now's the last time you'll say No-"

"Hey there. Sorry, I didn't mean to take out your headphones but I feel like you're not listening to me when they're in."

Takes a second to look at her.

"You look a lot different with makeup on. A girl came in earlier today and just spent the morning doing your makeup. She didn't say much. I asked her what she was doing... but she just mumbled something about girl time. You look very pretty. But I think I preferred you without gold eyelids. Makes me feel like I'm not looking at a person... just... a body. That probably sounds horrible doesn't it. Sorry.

But the reason I came... I leave tomorrow. Almost hard to believe. Most of my hair has grown back and everybody says I've got more pink in my skin tone. But I still feel like, I don't know, if I left without getting to know you... I'd be missing out on a lot. I mean, you know some stuff about me. But I don't know anything about you, other than you have very interesting friends and family... and you're in a coma. Hell I don't even know your name."

Shuffles over to the chair next to the bed. "How about I start? I'm eighteen, graduated high school last year. I was supposed to go to the University of Kentucky this fall... but Cancer happened. That kinda ruined all my plans. But I'm going to go next year. I'm going to drink beer and party and hopefully meet a pretty girl. Though I'm not sure there will be any prettier than you. What the heck is wrong with me! I'm flirting with a girl I have no chance with. God I'm stupid.

I wish I knew what you sounded like. Is your voice high? Or low? What's your laugh sound like? What do you sound like when you cry? I wish I knew. Though maybe I don't want to find out what you sound like when you cry I'm not sure I ever want to hear you cry. Pretty girls like you shouldn't ever have to cry.

But anyways, I'm going to graduate one of the first in my class. Well I hope I do. I'm going to major in Architecture. Design buildings and stuff.

My favorite color's green... if you wanted to know. Not just any green but the kind of green you see in spring when the grass is new again. I like that kind of green.

Now what about you... I'd guess you're sixteen? Seventeen? You've got frown lines, but I think you were once a really happy person. I'm going to guess what you're favorite color is purple and you love wearing skirts? Am I correct? Probably not. I'd bet you got in here... by falling off a bridge. You leaned to close to the edge and fell. Yes, you fell. You probably just wanted to see the flowers below you."

Sighs, and chuckles sadly. "I'm really going to miss you, ya know? I might visit in a few weeks... but I honestly hope you're not here. And can I give you a piece of advice? I'd leave that guy. He doesn't seem like the right type of person for a pretty girl like you.

Look me up when you get out, Bradley Shafer.

Take care, Coma Girl."

He slowly got up from the chair and leaned over to kiss her cheek. He slowly left the room, but not before looking back only once.