Chapter 1
Jane opened her eyes, but immediately closed them again when they stung from the bright light that filled the room. Slowly, she opened them a little and peeked out to investigate why it was so bright. Panic flooded her when she realized that she had no idea where she was. It appeared that she was in a hospital room, but she had no recollection of why she would be in a hospital. She tried to sit up, but her head began to throb and she quickly stilled herself as she lie there willing the pain to stop. What the hell had she done to her head? Her mind began to race, as well as her pulse as she desperately searched her memory for a clue. She couldnt remember anything. Nothing. At that point her chest felt heavy and she heaved for oxygen as the room around her faded in and out. Before she could comprehend what was happening, people rushed to her bed and hands reached for her from all directions. This only added to her panic. It felt like they were trying to pull her to pieces. She looked up and saw a nurse standing over her, injecting something into her IV. Not long after, the room darkened and she was asleep again.
She awakened the second time feeling very groggy. It seemed as if she was stuck between sleep and alertness for so long, but she guessed it must have just been the drugs.
A nurse walked in and checked her pulse. She looked up at her and recognized her as the nurse whod gave her the drugs. She was young. She was also very short and small framed. She had short blonde hair and friendly blue eyes. Jane began to fall asleep again and fought the overwhelming need for rest. She pushed her eyes open and looked back up at the nurse, catching her nametag. Her name was Beth. As she studied the nurses face again, the nurse looked down at her and smiled. Im glad to see youre not so frightened now, she said as she began writing things down on a chart in her hand. Jane was too tired to speak, or too high from the sedatives and the nurse left the room before she could get out any questions. She soon found herself falling asleep yet again.
The next time she came to, she realized quite some time had passed. The room was no longer illuminated by the bright sun outside her room, it only glowed from the last rays of the sun as it began to set.
A doctor entered her room and looked over the chart that hung at the foot of her bed. He glanced up at her and caught her stare, then smiled, obviously pleased that she was awake. Youre quite a trooper, Jane, he sang as he walked around to the side of her bed and sat down next to her.
Jane? Was he calling her Jane? Was that her name? It didnt sound familiar, but even though her gut told her differently, she couldnt remember her name. She thought that she could never again feel as lost as she had in that moment when she had no idea who she was.
Before she could think much more about the subject, the doctor leaned in and asked, Do you remember anything about your accident?
She attempted to answer him, to tell him that she didnt remember anything at all, but her words came out a very hoarse whisper. The doctor moved quickly to grab a cup off of her bedside table, then held it to her lips and instructed her to take a small sip. It was strange that she hadnt realized how thirsty she was, or how dry her throat felt, but when she sipped from the straw, she thought there wasnt enough water in the oceans to quench the thirst she had.
Whoa, whoa, slow down, the doctor instructed. Then added, I dont want you to get sick. He said, Ill tell the nurse to bring you some ice chips, then, he patted her arm. His touch shocked her arm like static electricity and apparently, it shocked him as well, because he pulled back and laughed, I think they need to use more fabric softener down in laundry.
She tried to speak again. This time her words werent so rough, but they were still barely above a whisper, I dont remember anything.
The doctor nodded and replied, I assumed you wouldnt. Youve got quite a bad bump