Descent into Chaos

Part 7

The afternoon sun cast a pale glow through the hospital window, illuminating the growing unease on Harry's face. He lay back in bed, his eyes closed, trying to escape the throbbing pain that had taken up residence in his head. Lloyd, sitting beside him, noticed the change in his friend's expression and reached out to touch his arm. "Hey, Harry, you okay?" Lloyd asked, his voice laced with concern. Harry's response was a barely audible whisper. "I...I don't know. My head is killing me." Lloyd's eyes widened as he took in Harry's appearance. His friend's skin was clammy, and his eyes were sunken. "I'll get the nurse," Lloyd said, pressing the call button on Harry's bedside console. As they waited for the nurse to arrive, Harry's condition worsened. He began to thrash about, his eyes snapping open as he cried out in pain. Lloyd tried to calm him down, holding his friend's hand as he struggled to soothe him. The nurse rushed in, her face etched with concern. "What's going on?" she asked, quickly assessing Harry's condition. Lloyd explained the situation, and the nurse quickly administered medication to help alleviate Harry's migraine. However, as the medication took effect, Harry's eyes glazed over, and he began to slur his words. "What...what happened?" Harry asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Lloyd's grip on his friend's hand tightened. "You don't remember? We were just talking, and then...and then you started feeling bad." Harry's expression turned confused. "I...I don't remember. What's my name?" Lloyd's heart sank. "Harry, your name is Harry. We're in the hospital." Harry's eyes widened in panic as he struggled to recall even the smallest details. The nurse stepped in, trying to reassure him, but Harry's condition continued to deteriorate. Meanwhile, Lloyd began to feel a creeping sense of unease. His breathing had become shallow and rapid, and he couldn't seem to catch his breath. He tried to speak, but his voice was hoarse and barely audible. The nurse noticed Lloyd's distress and turned to him. "Lloyd, can you tell me what's wrong?" Lloyd's response was a strangled gasp. "I...can't breathe." The nurse quickly assessed Lloyd's condition, her face growing more worried by the second. "We need to get you on oxygen, now," she said, rushing to set up the equipment. As the nurse worked to stabilize Lloyd, Harry's eyes locked onto his friend's face, a look of desperation in his own. "Lloyd...Lloyd, I don't remember anything," Harry whispered, his voice cracking with fear. Lloyd's response was a weak smile, his chest heaving with effort. "I'm here, Harry. I've got you."