Forty-Nine: Don't Leave Without Me

The light coming in through the miniature window grew brighter as the morning passed by. Kaylee had gone to the cafeteria with the rest of our block for breakfast, but I stayed behind, still unable to move on my own.

I had spent the entire night scraping the plastic end of the toothbrush back and forth along the edge of the bed frame. The lack of sleep mixed with my battered body left me unable to lift myself, let alone walk all the way to get food. At least the restrooms were closer. My eyes had closed, desperate to get some sleep, but my mind was unable to turn off. Even though my body had shut down, I was still able to hear every noise in the otherwise empty block.

I was aware of my surroundings, just not a part of them. I was like a comatose patient listening to their loved ones speak but not being able to move or talk back to them. The state of unconsciousness continued until I heard footsteps in the previously empty hallway, and I was awakened by the sound of knuckles connectin