As he lay his tired body to rest. His weak and pale body, so drained for energy. So damaged from endless painful years of sickness. He is so tired of the reality of pain. So much he wish he could leave reality to itself. Wish he could escape into his own private world. A world were he would not be sick. A place were his appearance is not regarded as repulsive. A place of love instead of pity.
He tries to turn to his side but his damaged lungs can not conjure the air for him to do so. Even as he settles back onto his back they let out a weak and painful wheeze, making cold sweat break out on his forehead.
He can't help to think: What have I done to deserve this? What part of my life did God hate so much he would put upon me the pains of Job?
As usual there is no answer to be found. There is only more questions to be asked.
He barely notice the nurse entering his room. Even though he knows it's that time of the night. Neither does he notice the needle penetrate his arm. He only knows It is the bringer of peace. He only knows It will bring something better and allow him to escape reality.
As the drugs start to burn his veins, a smile appears on his face. He is on the path. And as he allows himself to dive deep into oblivion, he sets his mind free.
The warm rays of sun caresses his face. He feels free and happy. Nothing comes close to this feeling. Freedom. Being able to do whatever he likes.
This summerday is perfect in every way. Just sitting here on the curb, watching the busy life around him, brings him joy. He doesn't quite know why this day is special. There is just a feeling in his body who tells him that is so.
Well, one can't sit around feeling happy all day, and not do anything about it. So he decides to stroll down to the harbour. On a day like this, there is bound to be something happening there.
He was right. The harbour is busy with life. He likes it a lot, even more the approving looks from the young girl walking around the pier.
Well he guesses they find him attractive, as he does them. He flashes warm smile at them, and even makes some of them blush a little. This only makes him smile even more.
His body demands a cool beverage. This hot summer day brings on his thirst, and he decides to go buy a cold coke. There is a nice little snackbar at the end of the pier. A perfect place to sit and have a drink.
He places himself at an empty table and waves the waitress over. She is a beautiful blond girl with a slim athletic body. And he notice that he is not the only one eyeing her. The girl don't seem to mind the attention though. She just takes orders and smiles at every customer.
While he waits for his drink he lets his eyes wander over the people occupying the other tables. Some young teenagers, others older. But all with a happy and satisfied expression on their faces. He turns his attention to rolling waves admiring the way the blue sea reflect the surrounding world. Become relaxed by watching the everlasting sea.
The waitress brings him his drink and asks if he needs anything else. He could think of a thing or two he would like to explore with her, but politely shakes his head instead.
The beverage slides down his throat, making him close his eyes in enjoyment. Just what he needed.
Suddenly he sees her. A revelation of beauty and perfection. Long red and curly hair falling over her shoulders. Flawless smooth skin with a pale complexion, which matches perfectly with her red hair and dazzling green eyes. Dressed in a cream coloured summerdress which reveals enough of her perfect looking body to start the imagination, but not enough for any kind of disclosure. Her long shapely legs carried her with grace through the tables.
God. Never before had he seen a girl looking so beautiful as her.
A shooting pain in his right arm brings his attention back instantly. In fear he watches his arm crumble into a claw, turning all numb making him twist his face in pain.
The nurse silently curses. "Shit." As she realises that she has pulled the patients drop from his arm. The patient is heavily sedated but he moans in pain anyway.
The nurse quickly replaces the needle in his right arm. God, he is thin. She thinks.
Carefully examining the patient, she looks at his face for the first time. His face is so thin and hollow looking. His eyes has fallen so far back in his skull that he looks more like a decaying skeleton than a man.
She quickly leaves his room trying to shake the sight of him.
The pain subsides and his arm is once again perfectly normal. He flexes his fingers a few times just to make sure they are all working properly.
It was like a reminder of something. The pain brought on a feeling he couldn't quite define. But he didn't like it.
He looks up and right into those dazzling green eyes, belonging to that stunningly beautiful girl. And she asks. "Are you all right?"
She hates her life. Bound to a wheelchair, crippled and ugly.
She had been a promising youth at 16. Beautiful and well liked wherever she went. She actually had to fight off the boys sometimes. Never having any difficulties getting a date.
A car accident changed all that.
One rainy evening she was hit by a car from behind, sending her sprawling through the air like a doll. Crushing her spine to dust.
Three long years in traction and endless surgery couldn't do anything for her. At first she had been paralyzed from the neck down. Unable to control her body, and not even knowing when she had soiled herself. It was degrading and painful.
Today she had gotten the use of her arms back. But the rest of her body remained numb. She had once tried to finger herself but her sex was dead. She had not felt a thing.
Her popularity had died with her body. Her friends stopped calling and the boys never looked her way any more. After a while she started to isolate herself, never going out and never having visitors. Now she was truly alone.
Her only contact with the world was through television and what she could see through her window. A hired help came twice a week with groceries and once every second week to clean. Other than that she was left by herself. Not even family came knocking anymore.
