Writing for Fun
November 2015
One - Maureen Rampersaud
Stella was dreaming in her hospital bed. The doctors and nurses had changed into lab mice, scampering through tunnels and revolving on wheels. The soundtrack was 'Running up that hill' by Kate Bush. She decided to return to the world, they must have taken out her tonsils by now.
She focused on the ceiling, dirty white with a nondescript light fitting. Lifting her head and looking around, she saw a ward of six beds, trolleys, drips and the occasional chair. Stella felt a prickling sensation at the back of her neck, something was very wrong. There was an eerie silence . . . the place was deserted. She stood up slowly and started to explore, linen cupboards, other wards, staff rooms, but not another living soul did she find.
Stella felt a tidal wave of panic rising inside her. She tried to slow her breathing and keep calm. She dressed and slipped out of the hospital, no traffic, no activity, no life. She pinched herself hard . . . no, she wasn't dreaming.
Walking home to her flat, the breeze ruffled her hair, which was oddly comforting. Perhaps the natural world would be her sole companion from now on. Dwelling on a life alone, she realized that she would never play another game of her beloved tennis. The phrase 'it takes two' echoed in her head as she contemplated all her favourite activities. How barren her life would become – as dull as food if bees died out.
Stella slumped back on the sofa and decided to try out the television, expecting it to be blank. It flickered into life . . . she saw herself wake up in the hospital bed, being greeted by a cheery nurse.