Anatoly

I awoke to darkness,

my eyes were open but

they could not see,

my hands could move

but I could not raise

them up;

“help me!” I screamed,

“help me!”

I heard a door open

then close;

“so, you are awake at last”,

a female voice casually

spoke out;

“where am I?” I demanded;

“try to relax Mr. Aleksandar,

you are in a hospital,

you are safe now,

let me check your bandages”;

I felt her soft, warm hands

run lightly around the side

of my head and over my eyes;

“am I blind?” I asked,

without trying to sound afraid;

“the doctors are not sure yet” she replied,

“it’s too early to tell,

your eyes were burned

very badly by the gas,

we will not know just how much

long term damage there is

for a few more days”;

“you are luckier than most” she added,

“why can’t I move my arms?” I asked,

“the doctors wanted your arms restrained,

they knew when you awoke you would most

likely be in a state of panic,

if you promise me you will be a big boy

I will remove the straps”;

I could detect a slight trace of humor

in her voice;

“I will try” I replied;

I felt a slight tugging at my

right arm then my left,

my arms were free,

my first thought was to reach

for my face,

and as if she read my mind

she called out;

“don’t try to remove

the bandages on your face

or I will be forced

to put the straps back on!”

“what of the men who were

with me?”

there was a silence;

“there were a few” she quietly replied,

“most were in worse shape

than you, some died shortly after

they brought them here”

“I’m sorry”, she added;

“the doctors have said you could

have some hot broth if you are up to it,

would you like some Mr. Aleksandar?”

it had been so long since I had heard

a female voice,

I had almost forgotten just how

soothing it could be;

“please” I said, “call me Anatoly”

she didn't say a word,

but I could feel the smile.

.

.