Feverish

_Cold sweat trickling off forehead_.

_Throat dry, desert parched_.

_Jug on table_. _Condensation glistens_.

_Old woman next bed_. _Regular pain moans_.

_TV in ceiling corner_. _Volume low_.

_Bedsheets feel heavy_. _Too much_.

_Muscles are limp_. _Pain is everywhere_. _Dull throb in head middle_.

_Need water_.

_Jug in vision_. _Peripheral_. _That's the word_.

_Nurse_.

_Help_.

_Cracked lips_. _No voice_.

_Nurse sleeps_.

_Fan electric whirrs, rotates_.

_TV shows the crash_.

_Remember?_

_You were there_.

_Were you there?_

_There you were_ :

windowseateyesoncloudssoaringoverheadintercom _ladiesandgentlemenweappeartobeexperiencing_ womaninfrontworriesplanerocksloudboomsmokeinwindowflames planewingfiregoingdowngoingdown _screamscreamSCREAMSCREAM_

: _Dream_.

_Real_.

_Dream?_

REAL.

_Nurse!_

_Still sleeping_.

GET UP. HELP ME. WATER.

_Eyes closed, she stands up_.

_Eyes closed, she comes over_.

_Eyes closed, she lifts my head up and lifts the water glass to my lips_.

She's still sleeping.