Manic Hospital

Cecilia's eyes popped open to take in the world around her, but strangely enough the first thing she noticed was the smell. It was a mixture between bleach and the sickeningly sweet smell of cherry cough syrup. She was in a hospital. That much was plain. Monitors beeped. Fluorescent lights blinded her overhead and she was definitely freezing her ass off in this paper thin hospital gown.

" Oh good. You're awake. Ms. Ryder I'm sorry to inform you that you've been in a coma for about a week now. Your family has been contacted and your brother should be arriving soon."

Shit. That was right. She remembered her brakes not working. The fear that gripped her as she tried to pull away from the ditch too fast and instead lost control. Then there was pain and cold. Then nothing.

"Where .. am .. I?"

Her words came out slowly and her throat was scratchy and dry. She was a little worried about that, but the nurse was there with a cup of water held to her parched lips. It was cool as the liquid ran down her throat. Besides she was having such trouble connecting her thoughts. It felt like her head was wrapped in fog so thick that she could only see what was directly in front of her.

"Now don't worry, dear. You're safe. Here at Sade's Hospital all of our patients are in good hands."

With what she supposed was meant to be a reassuring pat on the cheek, the nurse left her there. Cecilia actually waited for the woman to come back and fill her in some more but the minutes just continued to tick silently by.