Awakening

I was not sure when she left,

I was awakened by a light shaking

of my arm;

“Good morning, Mr. Alexsandar,

I am Doctor Popescu. How are you

doing today?”

“Fine, I think”

“Good, good, let’s take those bandages off

so we can get a look at your eyes.”

I felt his hands on my head as he

slowly unwound the gauze,

the light began to seep in,

slowly at first,

then overwhelmingly,

I winced,

I could see shapes and shadows

but could not make out

individual details,

“Ah, very good, very good,

the blisters are healing quite

nicely. Tell me what you are seeing.”

“I see light, mixed with dark shadows and

shapes.” I replied,

“hmmm, that is to be expected I suppose,

we need to give it a little more time

I believe. I will have the nurse put more

salve in your eyes and wrap them

back up”

“Good day Mr. Alexsandar.” he said,

as he left the room,

I could make out her shape as she

came into the room,

“Good morning Anatoly, when I left

yesterday you were sleeping like a baby.”

“The night nurse wrote that you

were out all night.”

“What did the doctor have to say?” I asked;

she chuckled, “As usual, he didn’t say much

of anything. But he did write that your eyes

are healing nicely and that I am to re-wrap them.”

“I am putting some drops in your eyes, you might feel

some slight stinging and discomfort.”

“So”, I said, “in a few days I might

get my eyesight back?”

“Perhaps”, she replied,

“Then I will be able to put a face

to your wonderful voice.” I added;

she was silent;

I decided to push the attack;

“What does your husband think of

you being around all these men?”

“My husband is dead” she replied,

“He was killed over a year ago. There are

many victims of this war”;

I felt the sadness in her voice;

“Perhaps when I am better, we can

get a cup of coffee together” I said;

there was more silence,

then she slowly spoke;

“Anatoly, you do not know

where you are do you? When your

eyes are better, you will be placed

in the recovery ward, with all the other

prisoners.”

.

.