An IV pricks my arm and I'm jolted awake. My cold, clammy, and far from fine in any case. All I want to do is lay here and stare up at the pale white ceiling. But the IV pokes me again and I open my eyes, giving up on the salvation of sleep. Warm hands cradle my face as the IV is set into place, and I watch numbly as the doctor leaves.
"Sweetie?" A soft voice whispers just beside my ear. I turn and feel my eyes water, looking into the face of my brother Daniel.
"I thought... I thought you were dead when I first saw you. So pale... so cold." He whispers.
I can't help it but look past him and stare out the open window. I can't remember anything, not at all. It hurts to try to recall the accident, but I give up with a heavy sigh.
"Are you in pain?" Daniel asks, his face full of concern. I give my head a little shake and suddenly I stare at him in horror.
"Daniel... I remember something."
Daniel sits straight and grasps my bandaged hands. My brother is nineteen, yet he's not my brother.
He's my best friend.
"Tell me everything, Gabrielle."