Chapter 2 PART 1 OF 2: Nightmare in Reality

My head is still processing in a daze. I could feel hot liquids flowing down my cheeks.

"Miss, are you okay?! Is something wrong?" The nurse asked me in a very worried tone pounding on the door. "Please open the door!"

"Y-yes. I'm alright. Don't mind me. I was just... surprised," I muttered the last word to myself.

This can't be happening! Who is this girl I'm seeing in the mirror? This is me? Is this Gonzales? I reached for the faucet with trembling hands and turned the water on. I went out in a daze, unable to believe m eyes.

My mind was racing as I returned to my bed. I couldn't sleep last night. I can't quit thinking about it. What the hell is going on with me?! Why am I completely different? What have they done to me? This is not me, I mean the real me! I mean yeah, I am me but this body since when did I-My thoughts were disrupted when I heard three knocks on the door.

I turned to face the door when I saw a familiar annoying face. As expected, it's the doctor from yesterday.

"May." She smiled sweetly at me and I arched an eyebrow at her. "Let's start the assessment."

I rolled my eyes heavenward. It's a miracle my eyes have fallen out yet after rolling my eyes a lot of times since I woke up. No, it feels like I am still in a nightmare. Who is she calling May?

"I'm Elena. Elena Perez," I sternly replied.

She sighed and locked her gaze on mine. Her brownish hooded eyes were full of compassion and sadness as she stared at me. She's more of an actress than a doctor. She can definitely win an Oscar award.

"Look, May, I know it's difficult, but I hope you understand that we're just trying to help you, and I'm trying to help you as your doctor," she pleaded. "Give us the chance to help you. That's why we are here."

I let out an exasperated sigh. I don't understand what she wants to help me with. There's only one plausible theory I could think of. She's doing this to brainwash me during my confusion. A very elaborate research study, I guess. I have read this somewhere. Them playing mind game isn't that impossible.

"Doctor KZ, if you truly want to help and support me, start by telling me the truth. My memory is absolutely superb." I glared at her, emphasizing every word. "I recall everything, including the accident, so I don't need you to assist me in regaining my memory because I remember everything."

"I understand your confusion, but this Elena Perez is not who you believe she is, so let's take things slowly-"

In irritation, I scraped my index finger causing it to be numb as it bled. No, they don't get it. This doctor may be fooling me into accepting her lies. The person who did all this is definitely meticulous, their plan is almost flawless. I would almost believe it but they can't fool Elena Perez. They can't fool a Perez. I am not that gullible.

"May-" I interrupted whatever she was about to say and prompted her to get out of my room.

She let out a heavy sigh before complying with my order. If she really wanted to help me then she should start by calling Dad since she doesn't even know how to listen. I don't want to hear any of her nonsense. I want to see Luke. So, not even a fatal accident can make Mom see me again, ha. Well, I'd understand Mom, she never cared anyway. But, Dad? He can't be not here. Something is definitely wrong here

I just exhaled loudly. I have far too many questions. I clenched my teeth. Urgh. It's beginning to hurt again. The papers I need to sign and review are probably piling up while I'm stuck here playing this ridiculous game with these people! Someone knocked again and entered my room, interrupting my thoughts. Why are there so many people knocking on my door and entering my room in the morning?

"Miss Gonzales," she started speaking while looking at her record book but I cut her off.

Who in the heavens are they calling Gonzales?! No! I won't give in to their brainwashing! This might be some kind of mistake. I know who I am!

"Get out," I angrily shouted. She hesitantly stared at me.

"But Miss-" I glared at her once again.

"I said get out!" Surprise was evident in her eyes.

"B-But-"

"Which of my simple words do you not comprehend?! Are you stupid?" I scoffed at her as she rushed out of my room in a panic.

I pulled my hair out in frustration. Is there no sane person left in this place?! Is this some kind of comical hospital? I thought again as I looked out the window opposite my bed. How did this happen to me? What did I do to deserve this?

I saw a pair of old couples sitting at the bench outside my window, the old man was patting the old woman's head as he warmly smiled ear to ear. Luke. I miss you. Where are you? Why are you not visiting me? I suddenly felt hot liquid flowing down my cheeks. Have you given up on me too? No, what am I doing? I lightly slapped my face forcing myself to regain control of my emotions. I can't let this situation control me; I closed my eyes to calm myself down.

A familiar scent suddenly caught my attention; that manly cologne I am very familiar with, is it-Luke? I opened my eyes and saw someone standing by the door-that posture, I know it was Luke! What is he doing? Why is he walking away? Why is he not turning back to me?!

"Luke!" I tried calling for his attention.

He's walking away... further. No! Luke! Come back! He's fading away- slowly... I jump out of my bed and run as fast as I could to chase after him. Don't! Why are you leaving me too? Don't leave me, please. I desperately chased after him and when I was finally a centimeter away from his hands, someone grabbed my right hand.

"May," a deep horrifying voice sent a shiver to my bones

It's Doctor KZ! No! No! Stay away! I opened my mouth to speak but no words would come out. Luke! Help me! I was struggling to escape from the grasp of the doctor as she held my hand too tight. I looked at her and begged her to let go but she just gave me an evil chuckle.

"You will never escape, May," she proclaimed in a very terrifying low tone.

Suddenly her appearance changed. The sweet smile she had turned to a horrifying grin and her soft eyes turned to eyes filled with void. No! Stay away! I wanted to scream but I can't find my voice. My body feels heavy. Her body grew bigger like a shadow covering hints of light in this dark void.

"May!"

I woke up suddenly. Breathless and sweating like a shower left turned on. A dream... it was only a nightmare. I looked around, but I didn't notice I fell asleep. It's already dark. I need to get away from here. I am not safe here. This hospital... it's insane! The people here are insane! I need to run away! I need to get out of here!

I looked at my left hand. I slowly pulled out the needle on my skin and felt a sharp pain. I took the hospital towel that was given to me and wrapped it around my hands. Feeling weak, I stood up and started walking towards the door, out of the room. I'll go crazy if I stay here too long. I don't know what they did to me, to my body but I'm going home... I'm going to escape this psychotic prison.