Book 2 -37-

[Until The Bitter End]

SIERRA

Like frames running through a film projector, my mind flickered with stories, images, and memories of my parents and uncle as their lives unfolded. The last scene that played in my head was my mother’s death.

Just when I thought it was over, a sudden pain pinched the sides of my head and the surrounding walls closed in as my vision faded to a dark blur. I collapsed to the ground, my mother’s face being the last thing I saw.

***

When I finally awoke, I found myself on the floor. My head was in my mother’s lap as she brushed my hair and hummed to herself. Through half-closed eyes, I could see her staring at me lovingly. Her heart pounded madly in my ears.

The room swam in and out of focus as the memory of where I was and how I got there suddenly struck me. I jerked upright into a sitting position, clutching my head from the hammering pain in my skull.

“What happened?” I asked, my voice groggy and hoarse.

My mother answered, “I’m afraid you passed ou