slomo

1:03 a.m.

Are you alright?

No, I'm not. I'm starting to see things.

See things?

Yeah. Hallucinations almost, but not quite. You know what I mean? Like… they're clearly not real, but I see them anyway.

Do you need me to call somebody?

Nah, I don’t think so. I just needed to tell someone.

I'm always here.

Thank you.

1:40 a.m.

I'm sorry, it's so late. I just feel the need to tell you more.

No, it’s okay. Fire away.

Okay, so the things I'm seeing… no, seeing isn’t right. Feeling. The things I'm feeling. It’s like I’m being watched constantly.

You’re feeling watched?

Yeah. Like there are hundreds of eyes floating nearby. Invisible, but I can still feel their gaze.

Are you by her bedside again?

Yeah.

Go home, Fali. You’re not helping by being there.

But what if she wakes up alone? I don’t want that.

It pains me to say this, but… do you even know if she will wake up?

I’m certain.

How long have you been there?

Two days now.

Have you gone anywhere since then?

No.

Fali. Go home. Have a shower, get changed, grab everything you need, then go back. Okay?

2:07 p.m.

I did as you said. Thank you for that.

No problem. How is she?

Unconscious.

What do the doctors say?

They’re worried. They said she’s lucky to be alive, and even luckier to still be alive. She’s lost a lot of blood, but that’s normal for a bullet wound. Apparently it passed through her spine, but cleanly, so they didn’t have to operate. Still, they said it caused some irreparable damage. Also, she partially fractured her neck when she fell, but it was minor so there shouldn't be any issues, hopefully.

Do they know the consequences?

They said they can’t be sure until she wakes up.

So they’re certain she’ll wake up?

No, but they’re confident.

That’s good then.

Yeah, I guess so.

How long will you stay now?

Until she wakes up.

But that could be weeks!

I don’t have anywhere else to go.

What about your work?

I’ve got my laptop here. I’ll use it if I can find the strength.

That’s fair. I hope you called them.

Didn’t need to. It was all over the news. They called me instead.

So they figured out who you were?

Yeah. Seems fine for now though.

That’s good. Get some rest, okay?

Yeah, I will. Thanks again.

No worries. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need!

Will do.