Kathy blinked as the golden streams of light cascaded over her window sill. She squinted her eyes and inhaled. The air smelled of bleach and alcohol. Her throat was as dry as the sands of The Sahara. Her tongue brushed roughly against her sandpaper like lips. Why was she so thirsty? She raised her hands to brush the hardened substance from the corner of her eyes. But, recoiled when a plastic tube almost poked her in the eye instead. Her gaze focused on the snake-like tube as it made its way up to a plastic bag filled with a red substance. Her heart raced as she realized where she was. Keys jingled across the room and light footsteps made its way towards her. “Kathy, you are awake!” James exclaimed. “Thank God. How are you feeling?” Pain seared across her forehead and pressure built behind her eyes, as she tried to examine his face. “My head hurts,” she whispered. “Just hold on Kathy, you will be fine.” Dr. Selina said as she stepped into the room and made her way towards her. Kathy felt strong fingers curl over hers. And another set brushed away the tears, which had slid down her cheeks. Light scents of musk and earth tickled her nostrils. He smelled so familiar. Like home. The doctor was busy looking over the chart and examining the machines beside her bed. She checked Kathy’s IV and then looked up at her. “Kathy, you were in an accident. It was touch and go there for a while, but you will be fine now.” “How are you feeling?” “My head hurts, and I am awfully thirsty,” she answered. James looked questioningly at Dr. Selina. “I have adjusted your IV, and given you something for the pain. The thirst should subside in a few minutes.” The doctor, touched her hands examining the tubes, which dangled from both her arms like octopus tentacles. “Are you feeling pain anywhere else?” she inquired further. “No,” Kathy answered. “Only a slight throbbing in my legs.” James’ eyes widened at her response. She felt his fingers trembling over hers. Dr. Selina glanced at both of them quickly. Kathy, lifted her arm to touch her thigh. She tried to adjust her position. But when she shifted to the left and tried to adjust her right leg, there was nothing. Her heart began racing like wild horses from a fire. Kathy lifted the sheets from off her right leg. But, there was nothing below her knees. The room seemed to swim before her eyes. “Where are my legs?” she screamed frantically, in agony. “Where are my legs?” James tried to comfort her. She pulled her hands from his and silently begged the bed to pull her in. this must be a dream. No, a nightmare. “Who are you?” She turned to Dr. Selina. “Where are my legs?” Then, she glanced back timidly at the person named James. “And, who are you?”  

*****

About the writer: Poetess Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 30 books, for more than six years and enjoys volunteering as a Counselor. She is a freelance writer for online publications such as Revealing the Christian Life, Jamaica Rose, Entertainment Trail, My Trending Stories among others. Check out her book Fibroids: The Alien Assassins in My Body In this testimonial, Denise shares intimate details from her childhood through to adulthood. She discusses, how fibroids or as they are also called myomas, fibromyomas, or leiomyomas, have affected her daily life and the adjustments that she was forced to make. After reading this book, women will become more informed about a disease that affects 80 percent of women; while making life miserable for one in four. Available at all online book retailers and Amazon.com. Copyright © 2018, Denise N. Fyffe, The Island Journal