Sleeping Beauty
Sunday 30th June, Story #182/366
She lies in the hospital bed, machines beeping and whirring, her hair spread on the pillow. No bruises, no bandages, no blood. Thank god.
She looks like she's been asleep for a hundred years, and will sleep a hundred more. Her dreams will be peaceful, right? Wherever she is inside her head, it'll be a good place. Won't it?
The man looks like he hasn't slept for a century. His hair's sticking out, as if he's run his hands through it over and over. His bloodshot eyes have both red rims round, and dark shadows under them. He drags both hands down his unshaven face.
He sinks into the chair beside her, too exhausted to keep pacing. Then, too agitated to rest, he jumps back up again as if an electric current running through it bit him on the ass.
Televisions dotted about the hospital loop the news. Muted, but with subtitles switched on, and headlines scrolling across. ...DREAMFIX(TM) MANUFACTURERS ISSUE RECAL... The bedridden woman appears on the screens. The photo's from a better, happier time.
Pacing again, his lips are moving. He's gesturing, scowling. His anger dissolves. His eyes are wet.
A nurse arrives, and for a moment, when she opens the door, his voice, is audible in the corridor:
"-I'm sorry, I-"
Why's he sorry? Did he do... this... to her?
The nurse moves how nurses do, with absolute economy of movement, and confidence that comes from long practice. She touches his arm. Her eyes, worn and and kind, hold his. He shakes his head, gazing back at the woman in the bed. The nurse speaks again. He nods, thanks her.
The door clicks shut, and the nurse mutters as she walks down the corridor, "-bloody dream machines-"
The man kisses the woman's forehead. "-back in a minute," he's saying at the door. "I just nee-"
He sees me. Recognition flickers on his face, though I've never seen him before. He's in front of me in two strides, his fist flying towards my face.
"You stay, away, you hear? Stay away! Stay away from her, from here, stay out of her head or I'll-"
People are pulling him back. My head's ringing.
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Word count excluding note: 366
Submitted on Sunday 30th June at 10:20
*Quick Author's Note*
First, and most importantly: thank you so much for reading my story! The ha'penny that Vocal will toss in my hat for your eyeballs landing on this humble piece will be well-spent.
If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!
A Year of Stories: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one continues my 182 day streak since 1st January. This means tomorrow marks my halfway point!
Please do consider lending your support to the other creators who are also on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They are putting out excellent content every day!
Please do leave me a comment: I reciprocate as many as I can. Leaving a comment makes that easier.
The story behind the story: I always try to write these so they can be enjoyed as stand-alone stories, but you can also read this as a follow on from these:
Thank you!
Thank you again, most sincerely. Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and appreciate you very much indeed! 😁
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Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Comments (19)
I like the way that you create that intensity of waiting before the confrontation. Nice.
Congratulations on your top story.
Ah didn’t realise this was a series, but cool you can do these as stand-alones!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Major congratulations on Top Story!!
Another remarkable story! Congrats on Top Story, definitely deserved! I was hooked from the very start and kept wanting more!
😳. 😳. congrats on TS!🎉
This story is incredibly moving, L.C. Schäfer. The emotions of the characters are vividly portrayed, and the suspense is gripping. Congratulations on your streak—keep up the amazing work!
LC this was so tense and really drew me in!! Is this part of a series?? Because I would totally read the hell out of this!! Great work and congrats on Top Story!!
Congratulations on this TS! This is a fascinating series of stories you've created LC! This is why we shouldn't play with people's heads! Haha
This is awesome! I love your descriptive style, and the twist regarding the observer was really compelling; I'll have to check out the others in this series! Congrats on the Top Story :)
I loved it? Was it Morpheus, king of dreams? Or a different dream guy? Great story
Interesting twist he’s visiting her in real life. Messy! Good job she’s out for the count! Looking forward to the next one.
Why, that's peculiar, idn't it?
Simply amazing read, LC! Absolutely loved where you took this!
Captivating story. Did not expect the ending
This one is filled with mystique and varying levels of emotion. This was a great read from start to end.
Oh wow, that guy from the dream came to visit her at the hospital? Whoaaaa!
I first thought of The Smith's "Girlfriend In A Coma" , a great installment in your ongoing project