Chapter 5

The final chapter.

I never realised that hospital floors have little lines of grey on their white shiny floors, but it is the kind of tiny, insignificant detail that suddenly stands out for you when you are dying.

The air smells faintly of pastry, and I can see the turned over box of donuts from several days ago. Under my sister’s hospital bed, it is a wonderful smell.

The needle went into my chest when I hugged the Nurse, and… I don’t know if it was an artery or an internal organ, but it broke something that can’t be fixed.

When I went down, Avery could have hurt Ellie, but she didn’t. She stood over me as my body fell backwards, and she smiled that horrible smile at me.

“Now my secret will die with you” my mother is alive but on the inside there is nothing. My sister is as deeply in her coma as she has ever been, and my blood coats the floor beside her bed.

She left us there, and she will continue to walk the earth and stalk patients and their poor families. The monster that looks like a person. The Mimic.

No one has come in to check on any of us, to help us. I have Stacy in one hand, and her googly eyes, that I know are really her eyes. Look so, so sad for us. All four of us. We are all helpless against the power of the Mimic.

With what strength I have I manage to do something for us. Maybe all that I can do for us.

I put Stacy on my sister’s bed, to keep her safe. I don’t know if she will ever come out of her coma, but I want Stacy to look after her for me.

 If she woke up…. When she woke up, at least she wouldn’t be alone.

I drag one of Ellie’s little hands down so I can reach it from the floor.

I tried at first to stem the crimson blood flowing out of me, but I can’t. I hold Ellie’s pale hand in mine, blistered and covered in blood. It as much for her comfort as it is for mine.

It isn’t Stacy’s fault, or Ellie’s or mum’s. This would have happened to someone at this hospital. Even if it wasn’t us. Stacy tried to do what she could, but I didn’t connect the dots fast enough.

I wish I could have helped my mum, I wish that I had seen the signs more clearly.

As my world shrinks, I squeeze Ellie’s hand. It will be alright little sister, I’m sorry I can’t take you for ice-cream like you wanted. Please live. Please be safe.

The last thing I feel, in my cold hand that aches from lack of blood. Is my sister’s hand as she squeezes back.

                       THE END