Chapter 4 - NotE TO SELF: LOVE

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It was nearly ten o’clock that night when Morgan was finally moved to a room. A thick white gauze bandage encircled her head. Eighteen newly sewn stitches held together the flesh that had been ripped apart upon impact with the concrete sidewalk. The hair on the back of her head surrounding the wound had been shaved. A heart monitor, intravenous drip, and respirator connected her to the world—a world consisting of four bright white walls, a window that didn’t open, a thin rolling tray, a small nightstand beside the bed, a chair, and the familiar hospital aroma of antiseptic. Her eyes were closed.

Mario stood outside the door, looking in. His mind wandered back to his undergrad days at Princeton and the horrific incident he had worked hard to forget for nearly twenty years. He blamed himself and had never spoken a word about it to anyone. Until today, he had been sure it was neatly erased from his memory. His hands started to sweat as he curled his fingers into a nervous fist. Luckily, a rather beautiful nurse interrupted his mounting tension.

“It’s amazing she’s still alive,” said the nurse, as she approached Mario. “Your friend is quite a fighter.”

“Yeah, I guess.” Mario followed her into Morgan’s room as if the nurse’s presence gave him permission to enter.

“I’m just going to take her vitals, and then you can visit, but just for a few minutes. You can come back tomorrow when her doctor is here. His name is Dr. Goldstein. He’s the best neurologist here.”

“Thanks, I’ll do that.” Mario questioned his own words again. What was he doing here?

“Great. I’ll be back here tomorrow at noon. I’m Elna. I work noon to midnight, which is considered the twelve-hour day shift. You can call the nurses’ station at any hour for an update.”

Noticing Elna’s natural beauty was a welcome distraction for Mario. She had a slight Haitian accent with skin the color of milk chocolate. Long braids were secured behind her head with a silky blue ribbon that matched her smock. Even in flats she was almost eye-to-eye to Mario’s six-foot frame.

“I’ll probably see you again then,” Mario replied, as Elna left the room.

 Unbeknownst to Elna and Mario, Morgan, seemingly lifeless, could hear, see, and smell everything around her. Naturally, she thought she could also speak, but the words were only in her own mind. Oh…puh-lease! Give me a break! You’re drooling all over her! Do you think she doesn’t notice you checkin’ her out from head to toe, stopping at the two best spots! Wait a minute, why isn’t anyone listening to me? Where the hell am I? Hey you…Mr. Horny, Handsome, Hunky Guy…can you hear me? Zip your brains back in your pants and look at me! Oh my God, this must be hell! They’ve put me in a place filled with beautiful, perfect people so I can continue to feel inadequate throughout eternity! But wait, it doesn’t add up. I saw the light! Well…maybe not THE light, but I did see an angel surrounded by light! This must be a mistake!

Mario turned and left the room. Clearly, he hadn’t heard a word Morgan had said.