The Very Thought of You

 

        It was incomprehensible, but the nightmare began when I awoke Saturday morning.  I was mentally running through all of the things I wanted to get done for the day when I heard my wife out in the kitchen running the coffee pot.  It was unusual that she was up and about before me, but I assumed I had simply slept in.  I tried to turn my head towards her side of the bed to see what the time was on the clock on her night table, but nothing was happening.  I couldn’t move my head.

        Immediately I discovered my arms and legs wouldn’t move either.  Was I paralyzed?  What was going on?  I attempted to call out to her but couldn’t.  I had no movement, no voice.  All I could do was see, and so far, only the ceiling.  How on earth was I going to let her know what has happened to me?  I hoped was temporary.  I couldn’t imagine being like this forever.  What was she going to think when she comes in and starts talking to me and I don't answer?  She will see my eyes are open.  She'll think I'm just ignoring her and get mad.  This could turn ugly real quick.

        I can smell the coffee.  Oh big deal, my nose is working.  Obviously my ears are still working.  I can hear her fussing in the kitchen.  How the heck am I going to let her know I can still hear her and see, but that's it?  Will she call the paramedics?  What are they going to do, but take my vitals, maybe transport me to the hospital.  Then what?  Think you moron.  There has to be a way to communicate besides blinking.

        I wonder what brought this on.  What did I do yesterday?  Think.  What did I eat last night?  I hear her heading this way.

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To be continued