The Life of Her

Within the Body

You’ll know that life is so valued, not until death will be knocking on your door. It is so precious, that once it’s gone, there will be no second time around, except if a miracle will save you from it. Have I gone mad this time? Well, maybe I am. The moment I opened my eyes, everything was bizarre, from my current state down to the people around me and the main spot is the reason why I am here. Or…did I just forget everything about myself? Is this just a terror?

Yes, this is just a ridiculous fantasy. A dream that’s making me insane that I could wail my eyes out.

I wanted to give myself a smack on the face, but it would be obstinate in front of her. She kept smiling at me that it made me anxious. She looked familiar that I tried to remember. Though I couldn’t find her in my recollection; but her presence is somehow known. Well, the least that I needed to worry about, is to know the reason why I’m in this space and why I am encircled with these ones that I don’t recognize. As far as I wanted to learn, she was focused on the articles and it has been five minutes since the doctor had left. I lost touch from my family and it felt more pain than I endure now. I just took my medicine and lunch. I couldn’t taste so much, that it made me miss Mom’s cooking. I should hurry and get back to our house. They surely are worrying about me.

Fiddling my fingers on the cold sheet, I cleared my throat. She slowly raised her head and grinned at me, making herself available.

“Do you need something?” She inquired and gently placed the paper. Her clothes were a bit sag for her body that she now appeared like an outgrown woman.

“W-Who-” I was about to ask her name when several, fervent knocks were heeded on the door. She rose from her seat and rapidly unfastened the door. A woman in her thirties, bringing with her a basket of fruits and a jar of cranberry stood. Her eyes were in deep sore as she slowly progressed inside. Her V-neck long sleeves were rosy pink paired with her opaque violet jeans and wedged shoes. She peered at me with such interest. Even though her motives were genuine, but I still don’t comprehend her that I could whimper my eyes out. She tugged me right like a baby lost; like she was my mother. Who even are you?

Who are you people?

I grimaced as I couldn’t understand what really transpired me. She slowly let go from her embrace, then settled on the bed. Placing her wallet on the desk, her hand cupped the side of my cheek, letting me feel her warmth. A sudden snap hit me hard. My voice changed into a soft one. I touched my neck, then my face. My beard was gone! My eyes scanned my arms, they were clear and waxed. I was touching myself, as my heart began to ponder aloud.

“A-Are you feeling okay, now?” She suddenly questioned me.

I glanced over the girl who was behind her, currently looking at me also. She gave me a thumbs up and her smile is not fading away.

“Y-Yeah…” I answered. “U-Uhm when can I go home?”

“The doctor said in about a week. For now, you need to rest.” The woman answered.

“Mom, did you get what I asked you?” The girl said.

The woman bobbed. She opened her red bag and searched for something inside it. I took a yawn as I was feeling heavy. I looked at the window, birds flying freely and the trees were dancing with the wind. How long did I sleep and stay here? I wanted to ask them personally but even their names are still blank.

I bit my lip and fiddled with my fingers.

“Is there something wrong?” She asked.

“N-No.”

The woman stood and stroked my hair softly. “You should get enough rest. I’m sorry if our last conversation back in the apartment didn’t go well. I didn’t know you were having a hard time. When we arrive home, I’ll make chicken soup for you dear. Right now, I have to go back to the house and settle something with one of the residents. Shinshin will be here to help you out. If you need something, just tell her, okay?” She stated.

Things are slowly excruciating, but I was a bit thankful that I now knew her name.

I smiled at the woman and answered her. “I-It’s okay. Take care.”

“Oh…okay then.” She glanced over at her daughter. “Just call me directly if something will come up or if both of you need something. I’ll be here by evening.”

She grabbed her wallet on the desk and walked on the door. She once took a sight of me, giving me a smile, then she left. Silence immediately took a place in, not until I grabbed enough courage to talk to her.

I cleared my throat and said almost in a whisper, “U-Uhm, Shin?”

She was busy with her reading, that it somehow reminded me of someone I met on the way. She didn’t pull her eyes from the book, and just raised her right eyebrow to respond. “U-Uhm, is it okay…if I’ll be alone in the room for a while?”

After hearing those words from me, she instantly thrust her face and bestowed me a contemptuous look. “Am I making you uncomfortable?” She interrogated and made a pout.

I brushed my hands and laughed in a gawky manner. “N-No! Ha-ha! I just want to clear things out with myself. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything that will make you worry.” I assured her. “You can, uhm…just take a walk around the hospital or maybe you can buy me some…some…” My eyes scanned the room and saw that the water jar is already empty. “Some water.” I glimmered.

She scratched her head. “Oh, well. I think it will be okay if I’ll give you some minutes for you to work things around. I know it’s hard for you, but…cheer up. We’re here for you.” She notified.

She tugged her black cap, pink jacket and her pack bag. “I’ll be back in thirty minutes. Also, your mother is going here. She just texted me a while ago.” She added.

A smile was plastered on me. Thank God, Mom will be going here! I need to ask her some questions. I can’t wait to see her again.

“I’ll see you around, okay?”

I nodded, waving my hand at her, as she left the room. When she was gone, I pulled myself away from the bed. My hand is itching to call someone, but then something is off with my body. Grabbing my shoes and towel on the table, I immediately went to the comfort room, bringing with me my dextrose. My heart started to beat loud again. With audacity, I opened the knob firm and looked at myself in the mirror.

Looking over the mirror to examine, I instantly froze when I saw another reflection. It was a young woman. She has a wavy dark brown hair, keen grey eyes, smooth and rosy cheeks and a tanned, vibrant 5-foot-tall body. She was beautiful. I gradually touched my face, and the lady on the mirror also touched hers. No, this can’t be happening. I immediately cupped my chest and there were soft mounds. I felt my cheeks reddened, then so my whole face came afterwards.

What’s happening to me?!

I felt cold rushing down my spine. I stared over my bottom. No, I wouldn’t do it. No, Trenton. Closing my eyes tight, my fingers wobbly pulled the white gown that I was wearing and raised it above my tummy. Taking a deep breath, I slowly opened my vision and there reality slapped me a million times that I don’t ever want to believe what’s happening to me right now.

I don’t have one anymore! Where the hell did my stick go?!

“AAAAHHHH!!!” I screamed so loud at the top of my lungs. I felt like I was about to pass out that I needed to support my weight by holding the side of

I lost my strength, falling on the floor instantly as I gasped for air. My back rested on the white door. I cupped my face. This is just a nightmare. I slapped myself hard on my right cheek, hoping that it would turn me back into a fine man. Did it several times, but I thought that the kind of enchantment that was done is far worse than I could expect. Who did this? I need to find the person responsible for this bewitchment.

I peeked once again below and saw it. I blushed, that I could feel my ears heat. I took a deep, excruciating sigh. Digging my face between my knees, my eyes began to water. I didn’t want this to happen. I was about to cry when I felt a cold, gentle breeze pass me. I slowly lifted my head, glancing over the window, I was cold.

The drops of water coming from the faucet can clearly be recognized in the stillness. A callous whisper was heard from my side. Someone is mumbling something.

“The hell does she want me to do? As if I can do something right now when I’m in this state. I should find her immediately and ask again to turn me back to my body.” A woman’s voice was overheard. She was a bit aggravated.

“I still need to pay the rentals. Mrs. Jordan will surely get mad at me if I don’t give her before the said date. I should wake up as soon as possible.” She added.

I slowly turned my head to face her. But this time, my hair straightened as a chilling sensation struck me on my back. I blinked twice, trying to make sure if what I’m seeing is even real. She was a ghost! Her eyes with black eyeliners around weren’t even dropping just like what I usually see in the movies. She was wearing her piercings. Her clothes were torn, severely scratched and there was her own blood dried on her belly. She had this punky vibe. Her body wasn’t decaying at all. She continued to blabber things around. Then suddenly, she moved her right hand straight to the wall and it had surpassed. My eyes went round as I recognized her. It was her in that accident…

“Oh. Now I can pass through walls. This is getting interesting, huh.” She smirked as she moved her hand through it. Her long lashes were visible and I could say she was a pretty one.

“Y-You’re….Y-You’re a-“ I couldn’t finish my words.

She heard me saying those words. She gradually veered to confront me and our eyes met. Sweat rushed on my neck as she eyed at me. I gasped.

“A g-ghost…” I stuttered.

She let out a snort. “As far as I don’t want you to call me that, but yes, I am one. Man, since when did you wake up? And…” She looked at me from head to toe, raising her eyebrow.

Rubbing her nose, she added. “Why did you take over my body? And who even are you?” She crossed her arms as she floated in the air.

“Y-You’re a… g-g-“

“You don’t have to say it twice. I get it. Tsh.” She rolled her eyes and moved outside the comfort room, passing me directly. “I’ll come back later. I’ll just continue my search for now. Take care of my body, okay? Or I’ll take you instead.” She added then vanished straightaway.

This is going too far. I need to see Mom immediately and tell her what happened to me. I grabbed my phone and tried to call her number, but then, I couldn’t find her name in the contacts. It was then, I realized that I was holding not my phone. It was the lady’s. I sighed. With a shaking body, I took a sonorous snuffle and slowly lifted myself to the floor. Holding the wall, I went outside the comfort room. She was gone. Where did she go?

Then the door squeaked.