“Nicoleeeeee……what have you done with yourself again? Do you need to always punish yourself like that? Turning yourself into a zombie you have lost interest in your favorite TV programmes, you hardly eat and you stay confined to your room? And will you stop using that attire, it irritates me!”. Her Mom was fuming mad over Nicole’s attitude and appearance.
When Nicole looked impassively at her, her mom was visibly upset. “Could you change yourself” her Mom added. “You irritate me thinking of the past. It’s over and done with Nicole, you can’t change the turn of events. We have an appointment with a psychiatrist. He will make you return to your bubbly old self.” Nicole answered in a pout to signify disinterest in her Mom's announcement as she does always.
Nicole and Greg after a ballet rehearsal for a school program joined in some drinking spree. Greg was a bit tipsy with the wine. While driving home to drop Nicole, she too seemed in high spirits after several gulps of the drink and started caressing him by putting her hand on his lap. He tried to stop her as he was behind the wheel. But she snuggled closer and planted a kiss on his cheek. When she turned naughty, Greg was unable to resist the urge to pull her towards him for a wild kiss.
In a split second he lost control and a big collision against a tree took place. She escaped with minor injuries but with a trauma. Her parents did not divulge what had happened to Greg lest it upsets her more. She feared he was dead and the guilt feeling oppressed her so much.
“Nicole, you are not responsible for the accident. It is not unusual for couples to kiss while driving. The accident occurred as he was drunk. You are in no way reponsible for his present condition” said the psychiatrist.
“Nooooo! Had I not turned foolishly romantic he would be living today and we would have been married”, she cried.
The doctor replied softly. "No, we didn't confide in you about Greg’s true condition". "What about it!"? Nicole shot back. "That was a mistake. His right hand and leg had to be amputated. He will soon have artificial limbs and may be able to lead a normal life. You can meet him presently”, the doctor added reassuringly.
As he made a gesture, the nurse wheeled him from the adjacent room. Nicole was shocked to see him in such a condition with stumps in place of limbs. But he smiled at her bravely which did the magic.
“Greg, I am with you through thick and thin. I will be there for you for ever. This is a promise that I will make” announced Nicole. And she hugged Greg in a tight embrace as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Written for Thursday Tales (Prompt No. 8)
Photo by: KatjaFaith
