This is the—very short—first chapter of a multi-chapter story that popped into my head today. I hope it's enjoyed by many.
I own nothing but the plot line. The Almighty Larson owns the rest.
I'm standing here in the corner of this cold, dark room. I'm not entirely sure where I am. I only closed my eyes for a second, if that, and now I'm out of my bed. I feel better than I have in a really long time. That doesn't necessarily mean I am better. It could always be a momentary burst of energy. I look down at my clothes; I'm wearing a long, white flowing dress. I touch my head and realize my favorite bobbed wig is resting there. I don't remember changing out of my hospital gown, or even getting up. All I remember is closing my eyes and then walking toward a warm light. Now I'm standing in the corner—facing the wall—of a cold, dark room.
I suddenly hear something behind me. It sounds like someone is crying. Slowly, I turn around and the sight before me breaks my heart. I see myself—well, my body—lying limp and lifeless in Collins' arms.
Collins . . . my love.
Tears stream down his cheeks as he sobs and presses loving kisses to my body's forehead. I want nothing more than to cry with him. I cross the room and reach out to him. My hand goes right through his shoulder. I can't touch him. That means I can't let him know that I'm still with him. I can't do anything to comfort the love of my life. I don't understand why I'm seeing this inside my hospital room anyway. Shouldn't I be watching from up above?
The door opens and a nurse walks in. It seems like she wants to cry. Collins looks to her.
"We . . . we did everything we could," she says. Collins nods and looks back at my body before turning his attention to the door. I turn to see what he's looking at. All of our friends come in one by one as Collins stands up and gently places my body's head on the pillow. Mimi is the first to approach him. They stare at each other for a moment before Mimi throws her arms around Collins. He starts crying again and the others all surround him, embracing each other in a group hug.
The nurse slips out of the room while I stare at my friends and lover, longing to be a part of their hug. Someone—I'm not sure who— soon breaks the hug and everyone files out of the room. Collins stops at the door to take one last look at my body.
"Goodbye, my love," he says softly. I rush to him.
"Collins, I'm still here," I say, hoping he can hear me. "I'm still here. Just look at me."
Mimi and Maureen reappear to grab his hands and he lets them lead him out of the room. I rush after them, all the while calling everyone's names. It's then that I see it: Joanne and Roger are walking ahead of Maureen and Mimi. I quickly move to the front of the group to judge their expressions. Even though they're all crying, I can see the bitterness and resentment for each other in the two couples' eyes. They still haven't made up.
Roger glares in my direction and I turn to see Benny holding his arms out. Mimi goes to him, burying herself in his arms. He comforts her as Roger walks faster, leaving the group. I turn back to the others and notice Joanne is glaring at Maureen, who whispers something to Collins before walking away. Joanne gently touches Collins' shoulder and then she, too, walks away. Benny gives Collins a sympathetic look before putting his arm around Mimi's waist and leading her away. What's the matter with everyone? Collins is hurting and they can't put aside their issues with each other long enough to help him. Mark is the only one who stays with Collins while he speaks with a doctor about me.
My family is dying.
Review please.