mica carter allen
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[justify] [haha yes. Sorry if this was a little late, I've been pretty busy lately!]
I jog lightly through the dim light of the occasional street lamp, the soft sound of rain hitting ground filling my ears. The even tap of my footsteps against the pavement kept me propelling forward, though I wasn't entirely sure of where I was or why. As I continued in the gray light of either dawn or dusk, a figure appeared in the distance, a simple silhouette against a pale cloudy backdrop. As I came nearer the figure, I realized it was a young woman, her features distinct but only vaguely so. Once she saw me, she darted in the opposite direction, fading away. I was compelled to follow this unknown woman, and I willingly did so, but no matter how fast my feet carried me, I could not get any closer. In fact, she was slipping further and further away from me, until she disappeared into oblivion, and I was left alone in a slow downpour...
I opened my deep blue eyes, my vision cloudy with exhaustion, exhaling deeply, I slid my legs over, letting them hang off the side of my bed. Running my face, I slid my bony feet into some slippers, standing up and heading towards the wash room. Sleep had been eluding me for the past few weeks, as to why I had not the slightest idea. Looking in the mirror I groaned. My face was covered in a dreamy haze, as well as a slight stubble of a beard. I gently stepped into the walk in shower, a look of dread and a hint of excitement written on my features.
I got ready quickly, but not carelessly as I had an important day ahead of me. After all, today was the first day of my internship with Doctor Franklin, who was one of the best in town. I was eager for the opportunity, but less excited for the social anxiety that would well up inside of me. I didn't exactly enjoy social situations. But they were a part of daily life, so I learned to get over my fears. I looked at myself in the mirror once more, straightening my tie and making a face. I cleaned up pretty nicely, and I did enjoy dressing to the nines on occasions such as this.
As I walked out of the building and towards my Oldsmobile, I tried to concentrate on the fact that the experience was worth the hassle. I would not regret the choice I made to accept the internship, even if it wasn't a paid position. As the engine clicked on with the turn of a worn key, I headed towards the local hospital, the place of my fate. On the ride there I briefly though about my recurring dreams, to which I had lost many a night's sleep. The woman was always the same, though I did not know her. It was quite peculiar, truthfully, and I was puzzled as to why she was constantly running away from me, why I cared so much about it.
When I pulled into a free parking space (it took me several minutes to find one), I quickly closed my door and headed into the large building, straight for the elevator that would take me to floor 3. As I waited, I wondered what kind of work we would be doing today, hoping it was hands on; I learned best that way. The metal doors slid open and I stepped forward, taking a deep breath. The elevator opened into a hallway, filled with several doors. I looked above the wooden portals for the correct one, finding it near the far end.
Stepping in I realized it was yet another hallway, this one equipped with a desk and secretary. As I approached the desk and informed the woman of my circumstances, she smiled and pointed me to the right room, telling me the doctor would meet me there. I thanked her politely and headed towards the door, where the secretary would buzz me in. As I peered through the window, all I could see was the edge of a bed and a few flowers, as well as a deflated balloon. The door clicked unlocked and I opened the door slowly, stepping in and closing it on silent hinges.
The sight astonished me. Laying still on the bed in front of me was a woman I was sure was simply a figment of my imagination, someone my mind had made up to fill a hole in a memory. Yet here she was, her red curls draped lightly over her frail frame. I rubbed my eyes with calloused hands, making sure this was true, not imaginary. To my surprise, she still lay almost lifeless in the hospital bed in front of me. There was no doubt in my mind it was her; the girl who had caused me to lose countless hours of rest, who haunted my dreams each night. I was so astonished I could hardly move, nothing could be any more surreal. Except for maybe what happened next.
[/justify]
