Lost and Found

Chapter 3

 As my eyes opened, the haze around me grew. The more I tried to focus on any one spot the blurrier it got. The pain radiating throughout my body was overpowering. So much so I could barely feel it. However, it lingered like a bitter aftertaste of the crash.

The smell of smoke filled my lungs as I struggled to catch my breath. I tasted the blood in my mouth.

There was so much noise surrounding me, however it was muted. Some people were screaming, but it sounded like it was coming from an old TV. I saw hazed figures moving about, some lower than others. My senses refused to work and my body refused to move.

I felt someone shake me, pulling on my arm. They were yelling at me, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. They gestured wildly, and while I could still barely make them out, I felt the urgency. They wanted me to move.

I reached for their hand as quickly as my aching body allowed. My leg was stuck, and it took a while, but they got me to my feet. Pain shot up through my leg and I heard a scream leave my mouth. It sounded far away, as if it belonged to someone else. Arms wrapped around my waist as I started to fall, accompanied by a low groan.

Eventually we stood away from the crash, although I was unaware of how we got there. I know it took a lot of effort on both sides, and I let myself be sat down gently. The person ran back to help the rest.

Looking around, I saw the plane smoking, as if multiple fires were just put out. The front part of the plane was destroyed, with bodies lying around.Bile rose in my mouth. There were other people helping the remainder of the passengers out of the plane. Surrounding me, I saw a large number of people who have also survived.Thank god.

My eyes strained to remain open and my head was pounding. Darkness quickly took me away one last time.

I opened my eyes to a bright light shining my direction. I squinted and let my eyes adjust. As I tilted my head to the side, I could see an IV attached to my arm, accompanied by a beeping heart monitor.

I saw the blue wallpaper of a hospital and the light reflecting off the starch white floor.

On the other side, a boy was sleeping. I couldn't see him very well, as his head was slightly covered by the blanket, but his chest heaved up and down in a steady manner.

As I went to lift my body up, I felt my right leg heavier than normal. I look down to find it covered in a boot. Must be broken, I thought. Fun.

My chest stung as I sat up. I see a button beside my bed and push it.

A nurse comes rushing in.

"Oh good, you're up. How are you feeling, darling?" she asked with concern and a slight British accent laced in her voice.

"I'm alright. The lights are a little bright though."

"Well, that would make sense. You have a broken leg, a few bruised ribs, and a minor concussion. You must have been sitting closer to the first class section of the plane, your injuries are more severe than most," she offered me a small smile. "What's your name dear?"

"Auralie, but you can call me Aura."

"Well Aura sweetie, there are some people here to talk to you. However they want to talk to that boy Nate beside you as well. Would you like me to bring them in now, or wait?"

"Later is fine. Should I push the button when he's awake?"

"Yes please." She said as she left.

I spotted a few Archie comics on the table on my right and picked one up, reading until the boy beside me woke up.

After about ten minutes I heard a groan from the bed next to mine.