Surfacing

As the man rose through layers of unconsciousness, he saw first the headlights of an oncoming car, which became the landing lights of an airfield, and then the floodlights of a football pitch.

It was around the time he remembered his name was actually Adam that he realised he was staring at a fluorescent light fitting.

Odd...he didn't remember falling asleep. Where was this?

Ow!

The slightest move of his head caused it to feel like it was tied together with string, and in danger of falling apart. Or maybe it was tied together with wire - that would explain the general pain criss-crossing his face and scalp.

He winced. Unsurprisingly, the tiny movement made his head hurt more.

Unwilling to move his head, he couldn't see where he was. However, the oppressive warmth and antiseptic smell seemed to suggest he was in hospital.

He searched his memory, but couldn't recall how he'd ended up here. A fall? A traffic accident? No, nothing there. He'd been...what? He remembered hurrying to somewhere for some reason, but it was like something from a dream that seemed urgent but then didn't make sense when you woke up.

"Oh good, you're awake," said a woman's voice. "Good to see you back in the land of the living, Adam."

At the sound of his name, he ignored the pain to raise his head.

And then immediately wondered if he was dreaming after all. There, looking down at him, was a nurse. And that nurse was Sarah.



Part Two begins here.