Sleeping Beauty

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!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

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:

If you like, you can read the next piece (equally short) here:

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! 😁 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +