I slowly wake up to the beeping of machines. Everything is so white… I close and open my eyes several times, making sure I’m really awake. It feels like I’ve had a very long dream…
Something smells good. Flowers… White roses? I turn my head slowly and notice several pastel-colored bouquets all around me. This hospital room… I have a strong impression of déjà vu. And the pain, too. It’s a quiet pain, though, like from behind a wall. I’m probably under some painkillers… My leg and stomach feel the worst, but it’s bearable. What I can’t endure, though, is this hole I feel inside my heart.
“Nora?”
I turn my head. Bobo is leaning on my bed, looking very worried. He is using crutches, and his usual braids are undone. He looks so tired… I feel his big hand on mine.
“Can you hear m
