Dusk
Madeline
Willson
06-09-14
I don’t
remember the last thing I saw before the blinding white walls of this hospital
room. Waking up in a daze, I can’t seem to find the strength to lift my head
from the pillow. To my left is a biohazard bin on the wall full of used needles.
I don’t recall the familiar pinch of receiving one, but I can’t see how I could
have avoided them. Everything is blurry, it seems as though my glass of
ice water is in the middle of an earthquake. The voices coming toward my room sounded
as if they were shouting through the empty halls of a school, echoing inside my
head. As their words became clearer, the fear inside my chest started growing.
“Did the tests prove what was in her bloodstream?”
queried my Doctor.
“There were foreign drugs in there,” the nurse
replied, “It’s a miracle she’s this responsive.”
They were now at the foot
of my bed, smiling.
“Well good morning,” giggled my nurse, “You’ve had
quite the wild night. Could you tell us your name, sweetie?”
“Nora Peterson” I struggled.
The nurse rushed off. She
hadn’t informed my parents yet, so I assume that’s where she was going.
“Very good,” said the Doctor. “My name is Doctor
Anderson. You’re in very good hands, don’t worry about a thing.”
“What happened to me?” I muttered.
“We’ll discuss that when your parents arrive. Just
rest for a while.” said Dr. Anderson.
The world was coming back
into focus. Looking to my right I noticed an IV drip leading to my arm. And
next to it, a similar bag full of my blood, flowing thickly to around
the same area.
Just
then my parents came bursting through the doors. Both Mom and Dad looked
harried, in their pajamas.
“Are you alright?” cried my mother.
“Ya.” I said, “Mom what happened to me?”
“We should discuss why you’re here, Nora,” Interrupted
my Doctor.
My parents sat holding
hands beside my bed.
“Do you remember where you were last night, Nora?” he
asked.
“Oh, I was studying.” I said, looking down.
“Well that seems to have been quite the study
session.” Chortled Dr. Anderson.
“Fine. Anna and I visited a party at the beach at dusk.
We didn’t drink any alcohol.” I tried to convince my parents. “I don’t
understand, so why am I here?”
“Your blood work showed quite the cocktail of drugs.
Are you positive you didn’t try anything new last night?” he asked.
“No!” I cried. “Mom, I would never!”
“I believe you.” She replied. “Will she be alright?
What happened?”
“I have no doubt that you will make a full recovery.”
He encouraged. “It’s very common these days for kids to try drugging each other.
The ones in your system weren’t too harmful, you’ll be fine. Stay here for the
night then you can head home tomorrow.”
“Yes, thank you, Doctor.” My Dad shook his hand and
Dr. Anderson left the room.
I spent the next hour in
my parents’ arms, all of us crying, knowing how lucky I am.
