I WAS ASLEEP

I would describe this short story as one you might have read from a twilight zone script.

I was Asleep

 

I was Asleep

 

By K. Edwards

 

 

Ben Crain looked at himself in the bathroom mirror.  How many nights had it been now that sleep would not fall upon him? Ben was a professor of US history at local private college.  It seemed like each day got longer and longer and the nights were an eternity.  He walked into his living room and sat down in favorite blue plush lazy boy. He pulled the side lever and put the chair in a reclined position.  What had been now two months since the accident? It was a dark November night and he had just finished his Tuesday night US history before the Civil war class.  It had been a good lecture and the students had asked many good questions.

 

 When he dismissed his class the clock had shown the time to be 8:45 pm. Normally he did not keep his classes to 9 because he knew most of the people taking this class had personal lives they needed to get back to. Most of them held down day jobs and were trying to get their degrees through evening classes. It had been a cold windy evening as was the norm here in Vermont this time of year.  A cold rain had begun to fall as he had closed the door of his Volvo wagon.  Then the rain began to come down in sheets like a blinding blanket. Ben lived on the outskirts of Old Barrington in 1895 shaker style home. The drive normally took him about 15 minutes but tonight he had to drive much slower because of the hammering rains.

 

  He finally reached the Green River Bridge, which was about a mile from his home.  By this time the rain was torrential and he could see no more then few feet in front of the vehicle.  Then all of sudden out of nowhere the red farm truck smashed into Ben. Glass broke and he felt shards pierce his skin.  His felt his left leg being pushed forcibly back in the sit and heard something snap. The air bag deployed and cracked one lens of his glasses. The car spun around like a violent tornado.  He looked out the window to see the large red truck plunging into the Green River and knew that the people inside would survive the 50ft fall. His car became jammed into a bridge rail and teetered close to the edge. The next thing he knew was he heard the sound of wailing ambulance siren in the distant. Then everything went black.

  Ben could hear voices but for some reason he could not open his eyes.

He could hear doctors and nurses working on him but he could feel nothing.  What was wrong with him he thought? Is this is what feels like before you die.  He heard the doctors say there was good pulse but he was not responding to the light in his eyes and would not fully awaken.

Next he would voices that were familiar to him like Natile his wife of 25 years. He could not respond in anyway or even squeeze her finger when she asked him to. Why was he feeling no pain? What had happened to him? All his brain could concentrate on was the sounds of pumps, and beeps, and small alarms. Actually he found the sounds to be quite annoying. Ben was one these particular people when it came to sounds he abhorred loud noises and continual annoying sounds.

 

  Ben slept with fan on every night because the nice smooth hum covered all the night sounds. Also Ben slept with all the curtains drawn and the room pitch black.  Living on the outskirts there plenty of night crickets and when the winds whipped up in the trees they would sometimes scratch the side of the old house.  Now with mixture of human voice and artificial ones it was driving him quite batty and he could not do one thing to make it stop.  One more thing that gave him quite a fright actually was this dark shadow he kept hearing and seeing and the picture of himself in water and he could not take a breath. It would last a few moments and then would fade away to the outside sounds.

 

  Ben tried to drift off to sleep but sleep would not come. He could not get his body to relax to drift off to nether land. He remembered back to the hospital as his mind wandered. He had never been so relieved when had heard the words. “He is waking up! There had been months and months of rehab. Fortunately he only had to have a sub for his classes till the end of the fall term. He had been able to return to teaching at the end of Christmas break.  Ever since he had returned home he now had two new problems one was trouble sleeping and the other was almost daily flash backs to the dark shadow figure. Ben thought it best to only mention the insomnia to his wife and not the other problem.

 

  He had also noticed a change in his personality. Things seemed to bother him much more and he found himself being more curt with his family.

His eldest daughter Cindy had gotten a rose tattoo on her back and he had been none to happy about it. Luckily his youngest Ben Jr was involved in youth league hockey and was overall a good kid.  The strangest thing was that he could not remember the accident even after his family had showed him scenes from that evening. They had told him that he had been driving home from his evening classes in pouring rainstorm. A red farm truck had spun out of control and nearly knocked him into the Green River. The red truck had gone in and the farmer and his wife had been killed. The police found their bodies washed up downstream about two days later. It had been farmer from another town about 25 miles to the east who had come over to see a sick friend at the local hospital.  Old Barrington for town of 5,000 people had pretty decent local hospital for a town its size. His wife Natile was a shift nurse there in the ER.  She actually had been on duty when they brought him in on that evening. To Ben all of that was blank he could remember being the coma and the dreadful noise of all the hospital apparatus.

 

  Anything that happened before the coma he could not recall. He did remember teaching his class that evening but after that it was all a blank slate. The dark shadowy figure and the dream of drowning would not stop haunting him daily. What was becoming a real drag was he not being able to sleep well at night. Before the accident his head would hit the pillow by ten and he would dead to the world. He decided to see a psychologist at the urging of his wife. His friend Walter Cummins was the head of the psyche department at the college. He called and they decided to meet at his office next day between noon classes.

 

  Walter Cummins had been with the college for the last 20 years and not only was established writer but also made quick climb to head of the Psyche Department. Also on top of that he was trained clinical Psychologist.

Ben arrived around 11:55 the next day and Saw that Walter’s door was open and walked in.  Where Ben had things strewn from one area of his office to the other Walter’s office was that of a neat nick.  After exchanging pleasantries about each other’s families they got to the real reason for their meeting. So Ben what is that you needed to talk to about on a professional level? Well Walter I have been having these reoccurring flashes ever since the accident of me drowning and not being able to catch my breath. Then as soon as they come they fade away. I am also have the most chronic insomnia it doesn’t matter what I do to relax I just can’t find good sleep.

 

  Walter sat and listened and stroked his graybeard that he had for the last ten years. First of all that accident would have shaken up anyone. Have you noticed it affecting your work? Some I can’t seem to focus 100% on teaching like I use to. Maybe you should take a leave of absence you have good attendance record and have hardly taken any of your sick leave, said Walter. You know you might be right maybe I do need a break from my classes. I have a very good TA who could cover my classes for me. Yes maybe you should think about it discuss with Natile.  There is a book on Lincoln that I have thought about writing maybe this is a good time to start it. Yes I think that would be an excellent idea. Let me say this Ben I think you are being afflicted by survivors guilt. You are questioning why you to did not die in the accident. The positive here you did make it out and you have your life back. Maybe you have peripheral problems but nothing maybe some meds and rest could not cure.  I think you should go see Doctor Andrews in the Student and Faculty Med Center. Thanks Walter I will do just that.

 

   Ben made an appointment to see the doctor the next day at 10 am. Ben had never liked doctors since childhood.  The sight of blood had always turned his stomach.  Probably the worst thing to do was to give blood for test. One of the things he had inherited from his mother was a small rolling vein. The kind of veins that it made it difficult for nurses to find a good vein and when they did it tended to roll away from them.  It was always such an embarrassment for him telling the lab tech please use the butterfly needle it will be easier for you and me.  The winter wind whipped through Ben’s Short brown hair as he opened the door to the university clinic. The nurse at the desk said he could right in to Dr Andrew’s office.  Ben walked down the hallway and into his office, which connected, to an exam room.  Barrington College had been lucky did a doctor such as Andrews. He had been educated at Harvard and received his medical degree from John Hopkins.

 

  There was big redwood desk, which had a big brown leather chair behind it. Ben sat down in one of the smaller brown leather chairs in front of the desk.  It wasn’t long till Dr. Andrews came into the room. He was about 50 with short black and gray-flecked hair. What really stood out about him was his height at about six foot seven.  In his college days at Harvard he had been a star on the basketball team.

Andrews had not trained in general medicine he also had a specialty of neurology. He had done his residency at Mass General in Boston.  Now he was head of the Medical center for the college. The hospital was apart of the university. Actually Old Barrington was College of about 15,000 students.  So Ben what is that brings you in to see me? Ben went through the whole explanation about the insomnia, the flashbacks, and the mental lapses.  They had started about two weeks ago when he could not remember where he parked his car one-day after class. That was strange Ben had never forgotten things that before.  Ben told him about his meeting with Walter and what they had discussed. After he was finished Dr. Andrews leaned back in his chair and said he agreed a leave of absence would definitely be in order. He told Ben he would personally write a note to the dean and the president for the sabbatical request.  Ben I want do a CT on your head and run some blood work. Great thought Ben here we go again with the butterfly needle.

 

  I will set this all up for this afternoon.  One of the privileges of being on staff at Barrington was prompt medical service. Also Ben I am writing you a prescription for Ambien. You take one about bedtime and you should sleep like a baby through the night.  It has mild side effects because I know you have sensitivity to many meds. Ben remembered about five years ago when he had a terrible case of streph- throat. Dr. Andrews had prescribed an antibiotic with codeine for the pain. Ben would never forget the weird hallucinations and the more then severe nausea. He didn’t know which was worse they were all bad.  Ben said I am ok with whatever you prescribe to me as long as it has no codeine in it. Try the pills tonight and let me know over the next few days how it worked for you.  He handed Ben a lab slip, CT test slip, and the scrip for the Ambien.

 

  Ben went over and had lunch had a rare lunch with his wife Natile. He told her he had discussed with what Walter and Dr. Andrews.  According to Ben’s contract the college would pay his salary for one year on a sabbatical leave.  Ben was relieved that there would be no financial worries.  He told her about the CT test and the sleeping pills.  Ben thought to himself how lucky he was to have a wife like Natile.  She was very understanding and was great life partner.  They would celebrate their 25^th wedding anniversary in two weeks on February the 7^th.  They both finished off their soup and salads and took their trays to the waste area. Everything these days was recyclable and the college saved tons of money by using plastic wear and recyclable trays.  He kissed her and said he was off for his CT scan. He told her he would call her later with the results.  When arrived on the second floor the ct tech was already waiting for him.  The room was all white with the big donut shaped machine taking up half of the room. Quickly the tech got Ben properly aligned on the table and the test began.  It was such a strange noise like marbles rolling in a can and electric stop noises.  Finally the test was completed and was told to go to room 333 for lab work. Great he thought as he walked out with his lab slip lab work.  He got lucky and the lab was not busy either after signing in he was told a nurse would be right with him. It was not five minutes and he called back to the room.  She introduced herself as Lois and said this would take only a few minutes.  He said he wanted the blood taken from his left arm. First she tied a rubber tourniquet just above his elbow. Then she popped different areas with her surgical gloved hands along the forearm. Umm they are not popping up. Ok Ben said let’s me make this easy use the butterfly less hassle for you and less pain for me, he laughed.

 

  Wow that was great I did not feel a stick or anything. Lois put a cotton ball and small bandage over the stick site. Ok you are free to Go Mr. Crain. Ben was so glad to have the test done. He grabbed his warm coat with the fake fur collar and headed for the front exit.  When walked outside he noticed that small flakes had begun to fall and the air was frosty but he felt alive. Ben felt now with a good sleep that life would be better.  He walked back to his office across campus and decided to write up notes for his TA Toni.  He was about halfway there when he reached the school fountain in front of the library. His head felt light and dizzy as well as his vision becoming blurred. Then he saw it the dark shadow and could here screams of help me help me. As soon as it had come it was gone and he found himself sitting in his office chair.  He could not remember what had happened since had reached the fountain.  He was about to start writing a note to Toni when his office phone rang.

 

  Hello Mr. Crain this is Shelia Dr. Andrew’s nurse he would like to see you before you leave campus he has your results from the test.  Sure I can come right over. He decided he would drive over to the medical center and save himself from the cold biting winds.  He would quickly drive across campus because at 3 pm campus traffic was much lighter. He parked his new Volvo sedan and walked into the medical center. Go right in said Lois Doc is waiting for you. Ben opened the office door and walked to one of the brown office chairs.  Sit down Ben said Dr. Andrews I have your results right here. I asked for everything to be done stat.  He was looking at a small manila folder.  Ben I have good news all your test came back normal. The CT showed good brain activity and no tumors, bruising or swelling. The blood work looked all good. I think you are having what is called posttraumatic stress disorder about the accident.  I think with some good night’s rest you will be even better.  Let me know how the Ambein works for and if it doesn’t I will write you scrip for something stronger.  When Ben got back to car to drive his mind actually felt relaxed. Tonight he would get a good sleep and then start work on his book on Lincoln.

 

  He turned on XM radio and listened to one of his favorite 60’s songs. Ben found himself singing along with the Turtles singing happy together. On his way home he stopped at the CVS and got picked up his scrip from the drive-thru window. As he was driving home the snow began to fall a little harder. The snow had been sparse so far that winter.  He pulled into his driveway and pushed the button for automatic door opener. Pulling the car into his space he turned off his engine.

 

  That evening the family sat and enjoyed an Italian feast. It was nice having everyone at dinner. Everyone shared a little about his or her day.  Ben shared about his adventure with his lab work.  There was excitement about the first big snow of the winter and the family discussed a ski trip to their favorite resort in the coming weeks.  If it was one thing that Ben wanted to get back to it was a normal life. For the first time in long time he had a very hearty appetite.  The lasagna and the homemade garlic bread tasted wonderful. The family had rented a DVD and watched one of his old favorites,” The Man who came to dinner. “ Ben had not laughed so hard in many many days.  Watching Monty Wooly fake his leg injury and take advantage of his host family was priceless.

 

  Now the only thing that could top of the perfect evening would be the perfect sleep. Before he knew it the time was quarter to eleven.  He walked into the kitchen to get a big glass of water. He opened the pills and placed one in his palm. He took a big gulp and waited for the magic to happen or in this case a feeling of sleepiness. He decided he would just lay in the easy chair next to the bed and read his latest civil war magazine. His wife had to work the graveyard shift in ER so she would not be home till early in the morning. He turned on his favorite tower fan and felt that soothing breeze and the comforting hum. He sat and read through several articles and looked down at his watch, which read 12:37 am. My goodness what was wrong he thought? Finally he decided if he lay down in the bed the pill might have more effect. He pulled all the blackout curtains and placed the small green washcloth over the digital alarm clock to block the light. He crawled into the bed and laid his head against his soft down pillow. He closed his eyes and thought maybe he could drift his way to sleep.  Then he turned on his side and thought that might help. Nothing absolutely nothing no matter how much he tried to relax he could not sleep. Ben knew his mind was wide-awake and no matter what he tried no sleep was coming.  Finally around 3 am he heard Natile's Honda pull into the driveway.  When she walked upstairs she quickly undressed brushed her teeth. He told her that the pill was doing nothing and said he would go downstairs so he would not disturb her sleep. He kissed her goodnight and walked down to his living room.

 

  He walked in to the bathroom and relieved himself.  Looking in the mirror he saw red blood shot he thought he looked like some type of zombie monster.  3:30 am another sleepless night he could not go on like this. He sat down in blue lazy boy and tried to relax.  Now with an acute clarity he could here all the night sounds.  The fridge had it only particular hum, as wind blew he could hear the creaking of the old house, and the clocks the grandfather clock’s tick tock was like bell ringing in his head.  He knew one thing he would be calling Dr. Andrew’s for another scrip because this wasn’t cutting it. Ben tried to watch some early morning news program but his mind seemed to be focusing on anything very well.  All of sudden he felt something strange in his head like dull aching that only increased with intensity as he sat there.  Then he felt vision go dark and started seeing quick flashes of light. As soon as it happened it was gone but he felt so tired.  All of sudden he felt very cold and was shivering. His eyes opened only to be blasted by the cold wind and blowing snow. Where was he? He looked around and realized he was standing in a snowdrift, which was about 200 yards from his home.  How had he gotten there he could not remember.

 

  The next thing he heard was his wife Natile in her pink robe yelling at him from the doorway. Ben What on earth are you doing in your in nightclothes in the snow. He walked quickly back to the house and told her everything that happened. I don’t know how I got outside the house because I can’t remember it! I remember having a headache and the next thing I know I in the middle of snowstorm outside.  Ben I am really worried about you. You could have gotten hypothermia in such conditions. It is wonder you are not frostbitten.  She poured him a warm cup of coffee.  I just want to sleep I would give anything for good nights sleep, he said frustratingly. Ever since that darn accident I have not been the same person.

 

  Maybe you should think about seeing a physchartrist. A head doctor no I just need some rest. I think I am just really stressed out right now.  I am going to take that sabbatical and start work on my Lincoln book.

Maybe getting away from my classes will help to take away some of the stress.  I can be a big help to you around the home and run the kids to their various activities.  Yes maybe some time off is what you need Ben, said Natile.  I tell you what lets plan a ski trip with the kids and get away and do some skiing.  Check today while I am work and see if you can get any good deals on a trip up to Killington. OK Nat that sounds like a great idea. Maybe we can take the kids out of school for few days.

Before I do anything I am going to call Dr. Andrews and tell him what happened.

 

  Ben got lucky and caught Andrews in early at his office.  Hello Dr. Andrews here.  Dr. Andrews Ben Crain here I don’t think Ambien is going to work for me I took tried to relax and did nothing for me. Umm thought Andrews well I am going to try something different with you Secnonal it is powerful barbiturate. Be sure you only take one at bedtime! I will call it in to CVS for you. I can only give you two week scrip for it because it is very strong narcotic and very addictive. I guarantee it will make you sleep. Doc I have decided to take that sabbatical so can you write those letters for me. Sure Ben I will glad to write them for you. I hope tonight you can get your first real good nights sleep.

 

  One other thing don’t take any alcohol with this medicine. The alcohol in testifies the side effects and could be deadly. Don’t worry doc I will not even have a glass of wine or anything at all today that has alcohol in it.  Ben was little concerned about taking such a powerful drug but on the other hand he did need a good nights sleep.  At this point he would do about anything for one.  He decided to call Natile at the ER and tell her the news.  Seconal you have to be kidding they give that to psyche patients that is some serious stuff. Do you think with your sensitivity already to meds you should take that Ben? All I know Nat if I don’t get some good sleep soon I am going to go insane. All right but follow all the proper procedures for taking it. Ok Nat I will don’t worry I will be fine. Have a good day. Love ya talk to you this evening.  Once more Ben had hope that sleep would once more open its door to him.

 

  He decided that he wanted to get his scrip as soon as possible. Yes he and the sandman would be good friend again very soon. He picked up his keys and went into garage. Suddenly a wave of nausea hit him and he was barely able to turn his head before vomit fell to his garage floor.  Ben had to steady himself against the Volvo.  There it was again he looked over his shoulder and thought he saw the dark shadow in the far corner.  Then the flashes came into his eyes once more. When he opened his eyes he was looking out the front window of his cracked windshield.  He was sitting in a snowdrift outside his garage. When he looked in his rearview mirror he could believe what his eyes were seeing. His garage door was completely in shattered pieces as if someone had taken a chainsaw to it.  Shards of wood splintered boards were laying everywhere.  He got out of his car walked back towards the garage or what was left of it.  He looked in and saw hundreds of skid marks grained into the cement floor.   He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and called his carpenter friend Jack and explained what had happened.

 

  Hey jack we had a little accident over here. One of the kids tried to drive the car out with the garage door down and tore it all to pieces, he lied. I have kind of rush job and I will pay you extra couple of hundred for getting to me today.  Jack thought probably was that crazy 17 year old daughter of his Cindy.  Ben and Natile had definitely had their go-rounds with that one. OK Ben I will send the boys right over.  He knew he would have to tell Nat something she would want to know what happened.  When Ben hung up the phone with a relieved look on his face he thought what could have happened to him? Looking at the amount of skid marks on the floor it looked like a madman had tried to drive through the door.  As Jack had promised he had his crew over within the hour and the job was done in little over three hours.  The total bill came to 1200.00 with the two extra bonus hundreds included.

Ben knew it was a lot of money but worth it to get the job done fast. Next he drove to the CVS to pick up his new scrip. Then he stopped at the hardware store to buy some strong concrete floor cleaner. He spent the rest of the afternoon scrubbing and buffing and got a lot but not all of the skid marks off the garage floor. It was getting close to five and Natile would be coming home soon. Since it was Friday night Cindy was staying over at her best friend Brenda’s house. Ben Jr had hockey practice and he would be home around seven. Natile decided to pick up a pizza in town at Geno’s. They really did have the best Chicago style pizza in the area.  About 5:45 he heard Natile pull in to the driveway. The nest he knew she was busting through the door into house asking what happened to garage door. Well you see I had little accident Nat. My Volvo gearshift jammed in reverse and when I thought I was in neutral it slammed right through the old door. It was quite the mess but I was able to get jack Harper’s home repair to fix it in about three hours.  He wasn’t very good at telling lies but did not want to tell her he had an episode.

 

  Well the old door was about ten years old she said. Ok Ben we all have accidents I just wished you had called me and let know earlier. I promise Ben said the next accident you will be the first person I call.  They both had a good laugh and sat down to eat that wonderful thick crust pizza. The smell permeated the entire kitchen.  After eating their share of the delectable pizza they watched another old movie. Ben came home and said he would eat up in his room.  All that Ben could think about was wonderful sleep that was awaiting him. He had heard of Seconal it was used as a self-suicide drug in Oregon where that was legal if you had terminal illness.

They took about twenty pills and mashed them up in glass of water. He remembered them saying that death would come in minutes.  He noticed the grandfather clock had just gonged eleven times and that Natile had some big yawns every few minutes. I am heading up to bed she said I will see you in a few minutes.

 

  Ben walked into the kitchen and opened the pantry where they kept their meds.  The red capsules glowed in the bottle. He proceeded to get a full glass of water. Taking the one red capsule in his hand he thought how strong could these really be. With one big gulp he swallowed the magic sleep potion. It was probably not five minutes before he felt the first effects. He felt heavy like his body weighed three times more. He felt slightly light-headed as it felt calming feeling over his brain.  Then he could feel a wave of extreme drowsiness sweeping over his body like a giant wave of sleep. He was able to stumble up the steps to his bedroom where Natile was already fast asleep. He quickly changed into pj’s, which he had a most difficult time putting on because of his wooziness.  When his head hit the pillow a feeling of extreme calm ran throughout his body. Before he knew it he was asleep.

 

  His brain awoke in a dream world filled with strange sights and sounds. He saw many colors of the rainbow or maybe he was sliding down one. No it was not a rainbow but a razor blade but why was he not cut.

Then the screaming started getting louder and louder like a crescendo in classical piece of music. Then he saw the dark shadow it was chasing him but everywhere he tried to hide it found him. The voice kept saying there is no escape you are mine now. Then he felt violent shivers in his body like his whole body was experiencing an earthquake.  Then he felt extreme anger as if he was lashing out at someone. His head like it was going to explode. Then he felt like he was in steam box and the next moment he felt he was freezing like in the artic. Next it felt as if he were continually bashing his head against some hard object.

 

   Then he felt hands holding him down like vice grips. He opened his eyes and all he could see was a dim light. He tried to move his body but he could not. He felt cold hard feeling on his entire back.  This did not feel like his bed. Ben tried to move his arms and legs but they would not budge. He felt like he was in a tight binding cocoon.  Hey let me up yelled!  Just take it easy Mr. Crain he heard a strange voice say.  Mr. Crain do you know where you are right now? No I don’t know where I am. You are in the Psych ward at University Hospital. The Psyche ward said Ben with raised tone of voice. The last I remember I was in the bed at home. How did I get here? Just rest now that will all be discussed with you in the morning.  Mr. Crain I am sorry the restraints have to be left on for your own protection.

 

  Ben’s foggy still feeling the effects of the Seconal went in and out of focus.  The next thing he knew the bed he was on was being cranked up

to put him in a sitting position.   Mr. Crain I am Doctor Henderson.  Do you know where you are? Yes I was told on the Psyche Ward in the University Hospital. MY question exactly is why am I here doctor? Last night you were found in downtown Barrington in your car. You drove your car through several plate glass windows of various businesses.  What said Ben I don’t remember that. Before you left your home you tried to kill your family. In your car we found a large butchers knife with fresh blood on it. How could that be I was in bed sleeping? Your wife is in the ER ICU but it looks like she is going to make it. The knife slashed through her throat and chest cavity. The only thing that saved her was her locking herself in the bathroom.  The doctor placed a photograph, which showed a picture of their bathroom door. This was a different door mangled and you could tell where the knife blade had cut into the wood like a thousand times. It was younger son who called the police and he survived because he jumped out of his window just as you burst through his door.  Ben could not believe what was happening he was anything but violent.

 

   When the paramedics got to you they found trying to saw off your right leg with the butcher knife. The vascular surgeon here at University and the ER team saved your life.  He showed him second photo, which showed his bed that he shared with his wife covered with waterfalls of blood. The white carpet now was permanently stamped with a red stain.

You son is safe and staying with a friend from his hockey team.  The doctor then proceeded to show a third photo downtown Barrington and what was left of the storefront windows. The final photograph showed his totally destroyed Volvo sitting in Jack Henderson home repair office window. Mr. Crain you have been attempted murder and destroying numerous properties in downtown Barrington.  Do you have anything you would like to say? Yes that I don’t remember anything. . The last thing I remember was going bed.

 

  This had been the most exciting news in the Barrington Times. The headline read local Prof goes crazy tries to kill wife and son then goes on rampage with automobile in downtown Barrington.  Not only would the story make local news but also was replayed over on the national cable channels. The story read that the district judge had decided that Crain was not stable enough to go to trail.  His lawyer could do nothing for him because no one would believe him. The judge decided until the court deemed otherwise that he would be remanded to the state correctional facility for the criminally insane in Westchester.

 

  Ben Crain was caught in nightmare. No matter how much Ben pleaded the doctors remained of the opinion that for the time being he was dangerous to himself and others. They gave him an injection of Phenobarbital, which knocked him out.  When Ben awoke he was in a small room that was probably 6 by 10 ft with a small metal-framed bed. He looked up at the tall ceiling with a light bulb covered in hard plastic.  The light was bright and bothered his eyes. In front of him was white metal door with a single window covered with reinforced glass.  Ben got out of the bed and walked over to the door. Peering through the window in saw nothing but utter and clouded darkness. The next thing he heard was a loud speaker saying lights out.  The bulb in his room went dark. Next he heard it began low and groaning till it sounded like a ship of wailing banshees. The cries of truly insane piercing the night like knife in his brain. He had no earplugs, no fan to drown out the shrills. For the first time Ben wished he had died in the accident.  He wished he had never taken that Seconal capsule.

 

  Ben began pounding on his door and yelling for the director. I want to see the director of this place. A small flashlight shone through into his eyes and deep voice told to go to sleep you freak.  Listen to me Ben said to the voice I am innocent how can I be here when I can’t remember what I did. He yelled to the laughing voice walking away I was asleep I am telling you I was asleep!!!!!!!!!!! But his words were only heard in his own ears as he clasped his hands over his ears to drown out the night sounds.

 

The End  

  

Copyright 1-30-15