“Sounds of laughter, shades of life, are ringing through my open ears…*
396 words, 2 minutes read time.
“Hello, Sir,” said a man with a mild Indian accent. “My name is Dr. Hapless. I’ll be your overeducated Health Engineer and A.I. interpreter this evening. I will be at your service for no longer than you dare to imagine! How are you feeling today?”
I had just felt astonishment after not feeling anything at all since falling at Mel’s Bar. Then there was that touch on my hand a moment ago that felt like pure hope. I may have even sensed goosebumps on my forearm at that moment. Still, I was disillusioned by his simple, tactless inquiry because I still had no way to respond-
– No way at all…
If I could have responded, I would tell Dr. Hapless, “I’m not feeling anything, nothing at all,” or say “I feel very helpless” or, more directly, “Please, god, fix me! I’m terrified!” Instead, I remained frozen, mute, helpless, and senseless. I could do nothing at all. I wanted to cry.
Just then, Dr. Hapless announced, “It seems the patient is not entirely non-responsive.” He seemed to be shining a light directly into my eyes, “Did you notice the piloerection on his arm when I checked his pulse? It seems that despite his immobility and lack of responsiveness, he’s not comatose. It’s possible that he could even be conscious at some level.”
No shit, doctor!
“We must keep this in mind as we provide treatment. He may be entirely aware of everything we’re saying and doing in his presence. So, please treat him as though he is conscious and able to respond. He could actually come too at any time.”
Well, gee. Good! That seems reassuring. Thank you, Dr. Hapless.
“Hello, Sir,” I assumed Hapless was now talking to me.
A nurse interrupted, “The patient’s name is Bill.” Her voice was not shrill, nor perky, nor imported, just rather firm but kind. “He’s been unconscious since he was brought in, about an hour ago,” adding, “We had difficulty admitting him because he was unresponsive, so we were unable to complete his insurance status.
“His friend brought him in, told us his name and little more.” She paused. “I don’t see the woman around anymore. I think her name was Mel.”
“I see, thank you, nurse,” said Doctor Hapless.
<—–0—–>
Lennon, McCartney (Across the Universe)
4/30/26
-dalton
(336 /377/393/403)
Leave a Reply