Chapter Text
The bright sterile lights scream in my face as I stir from my sleep, or was it sleep? The faint taste of coal filled my mouth, dry and burnt. When I fully came to my senses I realize I'm in a hospital room. How did I get here of all places? The faint beeping of a machine from the room next over was the only sound that filled the room besides footsteps in the hallway. My mind keeps racing until I hear someone open the door. I look up "Oh, glad to see you're awake Mr. Way."the nurse says.
She didn't seem to notice my lack of speech as she talked on, "you're almost in full health again so you will get discharge papers soon. Speaking of being discharged, do you have anyone who could pick you up?"
I was stunned for a second, needing time to process what she just said before replying "oh, uhm I don't think I do."
I didn't remember what even got me here in the first place but it had to be bad to get me in a hospital. "Do you have any way to get back home?" she asks, clearly bored.
I reply dryly, "yeah, I do."
I knew it was a complete and total lie but anything to get me out of here. "Well then," the nurse spoke. "Someone will have your discharge papers here soon."
with that she left the room. My head was still trying to get around the fact that I was in a hospital. A hospital! The one place I absolutely hate? It felt like hours waiting for someone to come with discharge papers when it only took about 10 minutes for the door to open again. It was a new nurse, a guy this time. "Just sign these papers and you will be all good to go," he states.
I hold the pen and sign my name on the bottom of the paper. Then I left. But I was stuck outside the hospital, the only thing I could do is walk home. The sidewalk was the same dry, dull color and the sky was still waking up but something just felt empty. As I walk, the only sound was my feet crunching on the old leaves. When I reached my apartment above some old coffee shop I was overwhelmed with relief. I fumble with the keys and unlock the door, home at last.