"Who? Who... Is... Rell?"
"Oh" As if catching her off guard. A look of shock covered her face. Probably to keep her professionalism, she quickly adjusted herself.
"You, sweetheart. Your name is Rell Zorias. You might not remember it now but I'm sure it will come back to you. No need to be scared." She stretched out her hand to rub the top of my head.
"Come here." She whispered tenderly, as she slowly got closer and gave me a hug. Her arms were wrapped around my frame for a few solid seconds.
With her body overlapping mine, I've never felt so small and vulnerable in so long. At the same time, comforted by the maternal care I have been bereft of for a long time.
"We'll take it one step at a time, for now, I want you to finish this bowl for me okay?"
Picking up the bowl once more, we continued where we left off.
There were so many questions that I wanted to ask. But I knew that what I needed now was to stay calm and wait till I recover, exactly what the nurse has said.
Once I'm back to my feet, I'll be able to handle things better. Maybe by then, my family would have been informed to clear up any and all misunderstanding.
After finishing the meal, the nurse handed me another drink. This one a clear liquid this time however, it was clear that it wasn't water since it tasted weird.
Probably noticing the weird look on my face, she clarified what the drink was for.
It was something to help me sleep she said.
Knowing what's good for me, I closed my eyes and settled to the rhythm of my breathing. Hoping that I would wake up from whatever dream this is.
-0-
To my dismay, I woke up on the same bed, beneath the same ceiling. Fed by the same nurse with different meals and colourful drinks aimed at a faster recovery.
True to their words, after a week of routine I was able to recover my voice and converse properly. The promised conversation set in a few hours when the doctor arrives.
Throughout the time I was awake, with nothing else to do, I further observed the room I was in as well as the nurse in charge of me and her co-workers.
I don't know where saint's hospital is, but I could tell this is somewhere private and premium. Their equipment seemed cutting edge even through a layman's eye such as mine. Heck, it looked like it belonged in a sci-fi movie.
The uniforms that the nurses were wearing also looked expensive, it's dark blue fabric and black lining look decent enough to wear in a party and not look out of place.
Wherever this place is, I hope my family didn't have to pay excessively for my treatment.
I even asked one of the nurses how much do I owe the hospital, even if its just and estimation.
A question that somehow elicited a giggle.
"It's way too early for you to be asking those questions. But don't worry, this is a public hospital and it's completely free." She replied.
That was at least a source of relief. One less thing I have to worry about.
At that time, I figured that since she already answered one of my question, I could ask another.
"Do you treat all your patients the same way in here?"
I knew it was a little passive-aggressive, but I couldn't think of any other way to voice my slight frustration at that time.
This too, much like my previous ask, weren't treated much differently.
"No, this is exclusive to those we find cute and adorable." Followed by a small fit of genuine laughter.
I'm sorry lady, but I'm tied down already.
Needless to say, I couldn't think of anything to say back so I just kept mum when she asked me if I had other questions.
Of course, I also tried asking questions about my family, specifically if anyone has come for a visit or looked for me.
To no surprise, they would try and dance around the topic and wouldn't give me any actual answer.
Wait for the doctor they said, it's happened enough times that it's a whole song and dance by this point.
The lack of appearance of my wife and child tensed me to no end but, there was nothing I could do.
I kept myself together, knowing how unbecoming it is for a man my age to have a breakdown.
Not to mention, burdening complete strangers who are only here to do their job.
And then finally, the time came for me to get my answers.
-0-
"Good afternoon Sir, I am Dr. William Pens and I am in charge of your operation and care. I trust you are being treated well, yes?" A man in a doctor's coat walked in an introduced himself.
He took one of the chairs standing against the wall and placed it next to my bed and took a seat.
"How are you feeling, Sir? Any pains and aches? Head related perhaps?"
"No, apart from the general lethargy, maybe." After a brief pause of thinking and consideration I replied as such.
"Good, eating well and exercising should fix you right up. I was concerned about your recovery progress for a time but, we couldn't find anything wrong with you.
We brought in experts from multiple fields, we even had to bring in a priest at some point but, he too couldn't find anything.
Regardless, water under the bridge. I heard that you are having memory related issues? And that you've been asking my staff questions.
Rather understandable, given your circumstance. So let me straight with you.
Sir, there's no real easy way to break this to you but, you were in an accident 4 months ago. The place you and your family were staying at became a victim to an attack.
You were badly injured and lost a lot of blood but were fortunate enough to make it here just in time to be treated.
Your family however, did not make it.
I'm sorry for your loss."
What?
This is all just too fast for me. What did he just say?
"Mr. Rell Zorias, I know this must be too much for you to process right now and I can-"
Just then, something in me finally snapped.
"WHO THE FUCK IS RELL!"
In a surge of anger, filled with adrenaline and rage, I leapt at the doctor's collar and grabbed it with both hands.
All the weakness of my body that I thought weighted me down to the point of paralysation all of a sudden didn't matter - didn't affect me.
I didn't know what I actually wanted to do once I have grabbed his collars. But with all this pent up energy inside me, I figured I needed to send it elsewhere.
So I shook him from his collar with as much energy as I could.
Enough energy for flames to burst out of my hands and ride right up to my shoulders.
For it to completely engulf the man I poured my frustration on.