Chapter 32

A few years later...

I woke up in the hospital. I feel stiff, and I notice wires and noises, rather beeps, of machines around me. When I manage to see something, to focus my gaze, I am aware of where I am. I look around and see her. Sitting in one of those uncomfortable armchairs in hospital rooms is my baby. I try to speak, but a tube in my throat prevents me, and pulling it out is not an option; experience with this tells me not to. I press the buzzer in my hand, and Sofia wakes up immediately. She jumps up and comes to my bed, hugging me and crying. I get emotional, too, but she pulls away when the doctor arrives.

The doctor puts a light in my eyes and asks me a couple of things; when he is sure of my condition, he removes the intubation, and I cough. It is extremely unpleasant when those tubes are removed; I don’t like it at all. I find it hard to talk, I try, but the doctor asks me to calm down, and to be patient. My hair is longer; I can feel it. I am confused and