10. Vodka.

I'm awake. That I know. Where am I? I open my eyes. I recognize this. What's its name? The word takes a while to come to mind: hospital. I can't think straight. Something's wrong. Someone is looking at me. He starts talking, but the only word I understand is "Natasha". That's my name. Natasha. The rest is gibberish. No. Not gibberish. English. It takes a while for my brain to adjust to the language.

"what's wrong?" he's asking. "want me to call a doctor?"

"No!" why no? I'm not sure "I'm…I'm ok"

"What's with the accent?"

"I'm from Russia" Russia. New word. What is Russia? Home? No, not home. But something like that.

"…ok." he is frowning and smiling at the same time. He's strange.

"What happened?"

"You don't remember?" I shake my head "Banner hit you pretty hard. You almost die. But they said you'll be ok."

"Right. Yeah. I remember now" That's a lie. But a strange sensation just came over me. Instinct. Hide. Stop talking. Get out of here. I feel vulnerable, exposed. I don't know what's going on or who this guy is, but I need to make sure I'm safe until everything comes back - there are some shades of memory in the back of my mind, feelings, sounds, vague shapes.

"Want me to get you anything?" No. Wait, yes. Perfect opportunity. Something. What? Kofe. In English.

"Coffee. Black"

"Ugh, no, trust me, you don't, the hospital coffee sucks."

"ok, no coffee"

"how about I sneak some beers?" beer. Beer. Sounds familiar. I remember vaguely. Beer is okay. But there's something else. Stronger. Better. Russian.

"Vodka."

"wow. Ok. Feeling patriotic today?" He smiles and I smile back. Just leave already. He turns around and walks for the door. He has a bow on his back. Go away. He's about to open when he stops. He stands there for a while.

"Are you…ok?"

"Natasha?" he turns around "You do remember right? You know who I am?" I laugh

"Of course I do" by now I remember this much: I'm a good liar.

"Say my name." But not good enough to lie about what I don't know. I look away. "SAY MY NAME!" I still don't look at him. What is it? What's his name? I have no idea. He starts breathing heavily. I'm never getting out now.

Or maybe I am, because he just turns away and leaves

"I'm gonna kill him" I hear him mutter as he shuts the door. Time to go.