Reality

Peaceful. I woke up feeling sensational. Looking up, I don't know why the sky looked purple. It looked nothing like the sun fading in the sky, too unusual, yet too beautiful.
I heard my mothers voice in a hushed tone at that moment. She was speaking as softly as the angel she is. Tommy, it's okay. What's okay, Mom? I replied, not understanding. I can't wait to hear your voice again. But you can hear me now, Mom. What's the matter? I started to get nervous, but that same feeling of peace came over my mind once again, redirecting my thoughts.
I got up and turned around to a sandy, majestic beach cascading the earth. Taking a few steps forward I had reached the beach already, feeling the warmth underneath my feet. Each breathe I took felt deeper, calming my mind, calming my steps. I closed my eyes, taking in the sounds of the seagulls chirping and the waves crashing in patterns.
Just a few more steps and I felt warm water inches above my ankles. I opened my eyes again, staring into a sunny blue arena. I was weightless. The deeper I breathed, the deeper water I was in. A coral reef of a million colors was in front of me after a short while. Fish swimming in and out of their homes were not startled to see me for some reason. I put my hand out towards one of the larger fish. The flat sided sun-kissed orange fish swam around my hand in slow circles. Looking up, I saw the sun gleaming into the water about a mile away. Oh Tommy, I'm worried. They say you'll be fine soon, but I can't help it. I just don't know what to do with myself. Jessica? My sweet Jessica, I am right here. But Jessica, why can't I feel you? I love you.
A feeling of sadness rushed through my body. I felt tears form in my eyes. I closed them and let them stream down, realizing I could feel them wet on my face. Opening my eyes again I was in my Grandmothers living room. "Nana?" I walked into the kitchen then, smelling her famous chicken casserole that's recipe had been passed down to my mother after she was gone. "Tommy boy, you look so grown up! Come over here and help Nana take this out of the oven." I saw my Nana sitting at her worn out rustic dining table with her mesmerizing smile that crossed my mind every day. "You got it, Nana. I'm so happy to see you. You look wonderful." I went over and kissed her on the head, then opened a droor close to the stove to retrieve her oven mitts. "Here you go, Nan." I said, placing the delicious smelling casserole on the stove top. "That's all I needed Tommy boy. You are the best." I was humbled by my Nana in my presence right now, the same amazing angel I remember her to be. But then, I felt like I was drifting away, once again...
Peace was still across my mind as I wandered along a path I've never seen before. It was sunset, nearing the dawn of the day. A few more steps and it was dark now, but the path was still illuminatingly clear. This path was stone and smooth as my footsteps felt lifeless. Tommy you hang in there. Dad, where are you? I need you. I know you can hear me somehow. I hear you Dad, I just don't know where you are. Do you know where I am? Where do I go?
Through the dawn I saw a faint flickering. Dad, are you out there? The light grew larger, clearing an end to the path. I walked faster then, not feeling a difference in speed. The light was brighter now and resembled a large escape. It'll all be okay soon, son. I was floating now, trying to reach the voice in front of me. What's going on with me? I was slowly starting to reach reality.
I woke up then, along with my senses. First smell, then I could feel the dense sheets my body was laying on, I could hear the faint breathe of the people around me. Lastly I opened my eyes and saw them there next to me, waiting for me. My mother began to cry and grabbed my hand, sobbing. I could tell she was happy, however. I saw my girlfriend and reached my free hand to her, pulling her towards me for a kiss I longed for for what seemed like forever. I felt my dad kiss my forehead and his tears fall on my cheek. A feeling of relief filled me. Why did I feel so lost for so long? So alone, but yet peaceful. I didn't understand it all until the doctor came in and sat down next to me. "Tommy, you've been in a coma for the past two months. Do you remember your football accident?" I remembered then, when I got hit by Northeastern State's biggest line backer. The accident didn't matter much to me anymore. All that mattered is that I found what I was looking for. I was not lost inside my own mind anymore, and the people I love could now hear me.
Sometimes, dreams aren't better than reality.