Void
A bright light was all she saw, all the warning she got. It engulfed her like water, pulling her into its grasp whenever she got too close to its surface. Hypnotizing to those whose eyes lay off it, forcing you to stand still, not noticing its steady approach until it's too late. Screaming mind yet unresponsive body, when faced with danger. Faced with true fear. Right before the impact to her side, as she laid on the ground with ears ringing. When voices warped and colourful specks danced around, she wondered.
Why,
Pain blossomed and overtook her body. It went unnoticed by the knowledge of her upcoming death. Tears ran down her face. She recalled everything in her life, both good and bad. Her time as a child filled with joy and adventure, her transition to a teenager full of fights and quiet, stolen moments filled with love under the cover of the night. She thought of a future that could have been. Years spent studying for a job she would never have. Dreams of retirement had seemed far yet still within reach. Now, no matter how far she ran, she'd never recover the distance.
Closing her eyes hadn't ever seemed difficult. She feared what would come next. Her upbringing had instilled fear for her soul. She knew she was going to hell. It was no use trying to delude herself into thinking otherwise. All she could hope for was that her beliefs were wrong or to be shown mercy. Praying for the first time in years, she stopped fighting the tantalizing pull, letting it drag her into eternal rest.
Amelia Taylor died at 1:13 a.m. March 25, 20XX, on her way to the hospital.
Groaning as she reached consciousness, she attempted to observe the surrounding area but found herself unable to. Panic crawled through her body. She wasn't able to hear a thing. Her body wouldn't respond to her commands, no matter how hard she tried.
It's all right, just assess the situation. Be brave.
She thought back to what happened. It was clear she died, or was at least in a coma. The most important thing was figuring out where she was, straining her ears as she tried listening for life around her. Other than her heartbeat, there was nothing she could hear... Now on to her eyes.
Darkness was all in sight. Akin to closing your eyes in a dark or badly light room, perhaps her eyes were closed? It's not like it mattered if she knew. It's not like she could open them. If she could, she would have sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose.
She could have been lying there for hours, days, even months. There was no way to keep time unless she resorted to counting, even then it would only give her a rough estimate of time. Spending eternity counting, hoping to leave but never managing to sounded like hell, or at least purgatory.
The only way Amelia kept her sanity was by remembering her old life. She reflected on it. As a child, her mother would take her to church every Sunday. Though she had stopped doing so as she grew older, the teachings never left her. She couldn't help but think of her situation as punishment for her sins.
Was it for not going to church?
Drinking?
Lying?
Accidentally stealing gum as a kid?
It was a question that would haunt her for as long as she was there, which might be an eternity. She had time to reflect and reflect she did.
It didn't matter, did it? Even if she found the answer, it wouldn't change her situation. She was condemned, alone for all eternity...
The first few weeks (Months? Years?) had been tough, slowly though she heard things. It was a slow development, but she had something to help her sanity. As for sight she was able to "see" red dots around her at times. She hoped regaining her senses meant she was just in a coma and close to waking up.
The rest of her time was spent dreaming of the things she would do when awake. Hugging her family was definitely the first thing she would do. Reminding them of the love she holds for them. When her nephew was born (or maybe he was already born?) she would spoil him rotten. Making up for the time she lost with him. Though she would still have to worry about schooling, though she received a scholarship her parents and her struggled with the cost of her tuition.
Thinking of them filled her with emotion. What would they think of her? Would they be disappointed she was stupid enough to be caught up in such a situation*? As soon as she could she would start working to pay them back. It wasn't fair she wasted their hard earned money just too not finish college. Although it had been due to injury it was her fault for not paying more attention. Its her fault for going out in the first place. She should have just stayed in her apartment.
A small part of her doubted she would be welcomed back. It's not like they ever wanted you. Her own mother had said she had been a mistake, an accident. All I am to them is a mistake surrounded by their flawless, planned, wanted kids.
No matter how much she tried to deny it she knew it was true. And so she spent the rest of her days in the void letting her thoughts float around, stubbornly avoiding the topic of family.
A sharp pain made her world burst into flames, it wasn't the first time it had happened but it was the longest. The torture went on for what could have been and eternity. As soon as it was over she took a breath and cried. Whatever the pain was it had brought her to an uncomfortable environment. Her senses couldn't process it, it was overwhelming.