I grab my car keys, my head aching and my eyes sagging.

I catch a glimpse of myself in the hallway mirror.

Solemn eyes and paling skin marks a mysterious sickness infiltrating my body.

I head out to the doctor’s office, hoping he won’t send me home with a bottle of ibuprofen.

This sickness is more than just a small headache; it’s agonizing.

The bright white lights of the doctor’s office spreads small veiny sparks of pain through my head.

“Back again, Charles?” Dr. Hector sighed.

“Yes, Hector, this pain is excruciating. I can’t do anything because of how bad it is.” I hold my hands on my head, wishing desperately for healing.

Dr. Hector sighs again, tiredly and mildly annoyed. “Alright, I’ll prescribe you some stronger doses of painkillers.”

I shake my head in frustration. “No, Hector, I-I think something is majorly wrong. Painkillers aren’t stopping the pain.”

“Come back tomorrow if the pain still subsides. Good day.” Dr. Hector walks out, clicking him pen and shaking his head.

Great.

I go home and lie in bed with the lights off.

My head pulses in pain and my legs begin to feel numb.

Tears begin to form in my eyes from the agony.

“I think I’m dying…” I whisper to the darkness.

I feel heavy and light at the same time.

My body refuses to move towards the telephone.

“Maybe if I sleep, it will all go away.”

I shut my eyes and pray that the pain will wash away.

Warm, flowing blood trinkles from my nose and ears.

The image of the crimson blood fades in and out of sight.

I’m dying. I know it.

I’m dying and I can’t even save myself.

My arms won’t move and my eyes won’t focus.

My throat is raw and my tongue is slack.

I can’t speak.

I’m dying.

Silently I curse Dr. Hector.

My lungs race, trying to fill with air.

I give up and close my eyes once more, finding a small feeling of peace in the numb darkness.