Memory After Memory

Chapter 2

My jaw dropped. I couldn't believe what he was saying. I didn't want to believe it. I was supposed to turn 17 tomorrow. There was no way I was already 24. "I've been here for 8 years?!"

Dr. Young apparently saw my shock coming because he didn't really react the way I half expected. "Not really. You've only been here for 4. Although, that is worth noting." He jotted more stuff on his clipboard.

No way. There was absolutely no way I had been here for only 4 years. From almost 17 years old to almost a month away from being 25? That's certainly not a difference of 4. "Then how do I only remember being 16 if I've been here for 4 years?"

He closed the curtains a little, making the room dimmer. "We're not sure of that yet."

There was something he was hiding from me. I didn't know what it was, but I just knew something was being hidden. I remember one of the reasons I don't trust doctors: they don't tell you everything you need to know. All they tell is bits and pieces. The "general information" as they call it. I chose to let it go, however. I figured it wasn't gonna be worth the talk about him hiding something from his patient. 

I guess he took the silence as acceptance and grabbed his clipboard again, scribbling a few more notes. He told me he would check up on me later and left the room.

Finally, some time to myself again. I looked outside again, the window only showing a little bit of the outside world, now that he had closed it. Jerk. I never asked him to close it and it wasn't bothering me. As I was raised though: "Doctors know best", so I just went with it despite not being totally okay with it. I still believe that he should've at least asked me if I wanted it adjusted or explain why he took it upon himself to adjust it. 

I thought about everything that was just said. I'm not 16. I'm 24. Everything else is right, my name and my birthday. And I've only been here for 4 years. What happened to the rest of it?" I suddenly just wanted to burst into tears right there, but my body wouldn't allow it. I knew that I had to eventually take everything in, but I wasn't ready to believe him. Not yet. For now, I just wanted to believe that I'm still 16-year-old Amy and nothing more.

My stomach growled, reminding me that I should probably eat something. I felt like I hadn't eaten anything in the 4 years I've been here. I'm was surprised I didn't die of starvation within these years. Starvation and dehydration, if anything, because I didn't realize how dry my throat was until I had that cup of water. Even after that cup, I was still so thirsty. How the heck did I manage to wake up with nothing to eat or drink for years? 

That would probably remain a mystery to me as a nurse came in with a tray of food and a glass of water. More water. Thank God. I instantly wanted to get up and shove it all in my mouth, but not only would I look like a complete idiot, I would also be making a mess if I tried to reach out and grab the food and just happen to shatter the glass of water. Yeah, that'd be a sight to see, wouldn't it? I may have been asleep for 4 years, but I still maintain my common sense and things I should and shouldn't do...for the most part. The nurse set the tray of food and the water on a little stand meant for eating in bed and set the stand over my legs. I shoved the food in my mouth, savoring the taste of solid food. It wasn't the best, but right now, all I want is food and to live another day without feeling like I'm starving. 

The nurse watched as I ate. I felt weird eating while being stared at, but I didn't care enough to stop. She smiled at me. "Must taste good huh?"

I can only nod my head as I had food in my mouth. I was just grateful I wasn't gonna starve myself until I got out like most people end up doing. When I swallowed my food, I spoke. "Yeah. Thank you."

"Do you want more after that?"

More? They can give me more food? I thought they could only give me 3 square meals: 1 for breakfast, 1 for lunch, and 1 for dinner. I guess I was wrong. I nodded.