CHARLIE'S STORY

Justin Low

There's somebody sitting next to me, but all I could see is a blur. As I tried to focus on the figure, "C-Cassie?" I whispered. It hurts when I speak.

"No Charles, it is your grandfather." It definitely was no longer the sweet feminine voice I thought I first heard, but at least it is still soothing to my ears.

My Grandfather? Why is he here in Calgary? Why did he sound like someone else? Why am I here in Calgary and in a hospital bed? Confused, I tried to remember the past events, but to no avail. The person before me is starting to look like an elderly man, but I still can't make out any details.

"G-Grandpa? What..."

He placed his hand on top of mine. It was cold, but comforting. "Try not to speak. You have been in a terrible train accident. Your mother and I are here looking over you for the past three weeks while you were in a coma. She will be happy to know that you've awakened."

"Train...accident?" Nope, I don't remember being on a train at all. The pain in my throat is beginning to reside. That or I can stand it.

"We can talk about that later. Please, just rest for now. I must go and tell your mother of the wonderful news."

Still a bit confused, I can only nod my head slightly. "Okay." Yes, my throat is feeling better, but my body still aches and refuses to move. I closed my eyes and tried to figure out what has happened to me as I fell into an uneasy sleep...

"Charlie!"

My eyes shot open towards the doorway and searched for the one who called out my name. There I saw a familiar woman standing at the doorway with a big smile on her face.

"Charlie!" she called with delight and ran over to my bed to give me a quick hug. "It's great to see that you're through hibernating!"

"Sally," I groaned. It has been a couple of days since I've come out of my coma, and my body still aches a little bit. My mother told me of the accident, the rescue, and why I was on the train in the first place. When they found out that I was one of the survivors of the accident, they raced over here to see me. Still, I don't remember any recent events, but I do remember this particular individual. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to get married, silly! I was riding in the same train as you were. Don't you remember?"

"No, I don't." She sure doesn't look like she's been in any accident.

"You certainly look better than me."

"Well, you hit a pole at the time of the collision which knocked you out. Fortunately, your body blocked mine from hitting it as well. Thanks to you, I came out with only a few scratches." She was silent for a moment until she abruptly said "Oh, I'm so excited! My wedding is tomorrow and I can hardly wait! Come by, will you? I'd like to stay longer, but I've got a lot of things to do for tomorrow. Bye!"

And with that last word, she hurried out the door. I had more questions to ask her, but I decided that I rather have my peace. Then I had that urge again, and I reached for my pan. When I finished, my mother and the doctor walked in.

"Well Charlie," the doctor said. "It looks like I can give you a clean bill of health. You can leave any time now."

"Have you made up your decision on where you want to go," my mother asked. She and grandpa asked whether I wanted to go back to Oshawa with them, or else they'll come with me to Vancouver.

"Yes, I've decided," I told her.

© Copyright 1998 Writer's Very Limited

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