Live to Tell excerpt.pdf
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Transcript of Live to Tell excerpt.pdf
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Chapter 1
Syrup. Thats what it felt like, on my eyes, gooped through
my lashes. I tried to force my eyelids open, but it was as if I
had no strength. I gave up and, instead, listened. Strange noises.
Clinking metal, weird humming and beeping, running water,
footsteps squeaking.My heart beat faster. It was the smell I knew that smell.
This time I tried harder to open my eyes, determined to break
through the sticky film. I could see my top and bottom lashes
stubbornly clinging to each other as my lids finally separated.
The first thing I saw was the whiteness of the ceiling. I kept star-
ing straight up, waiting for the fogginess to clear. I didnt want to
look anywhere else. I didnt want to be right.
There was a stain on the ceiling. I focused on that, breathing
slowly in and out. If only it had one more splorch on the side, it
would look like Snoopy. The racing of my heart slowed a bit and
I worked up enough courage to turn my head sideways.
Excruciating pain shot through my body. As a reflex, I raised
my hand to touch my head. More pain.
There was a gasp and a shuffling noise, a hand slipping into
mine. I didnt have to look to know who it was.
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LIVETOTELL
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Chapter 2
The sound of a curtain being dragged along a track made its
way into my sleep. I tried to ignore it but I could feel light
on my face, and reluctantly forced my eyes open. Nothing looked
or felt familiar. Panic rose in my throat, then I saw the stain on
the ceiling I remembered. I was in the hospital.Good dream or bad? someone asked.
I meant to say Huh? but my teeth were still covered in a thick
layer of paste, and my lips stuck to them when I tried to form the
word. My eyes darted around the room until I found the source
of the voice. It was a nurse.
You were mumbling and twitching in your sleep, she said,
sliding her hands into latex gloves.
Desperate to wet my mouth, I tried licking my lips, but all I
could feel were curling flakes of dry skin.
She came closer and, efficiently but gently, lifted my body
forward, then flipped and re-fluffed my pillow. She was humming.
I think it was Adele.
Im Trina, she smiled.
Oh, I mouthed.
So good dream or bad? Trina asked again as she popped a
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LIVETOTELL
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LIVETOTELL
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Chapter 3
Her words were like a bomb that I happened to be holding
when it went off. Then everything stopped, as if the air had
been sucked from the room.
Not caring about the tubes and wires, I struggled to sit up, my
breath coming out in gasps.Mom stood and put her hand on my heart. Calm down, Libby.
Try to breathe.
No, no I cant, I cant.
She slipped an arm under my shoulders and propped me up.
Here, have a sip of water.
I spilled most of it, but managed to suck some up the straw.
Then, pushing the cup away, I lay back down.
Mom held my hand and stood quietly beside my bed saying
nothing.
Hot tears leaked down the sides of my face and dripped into
my hair. When I saw the same tears on Moms face, they came
even faster, turning her into a watery shape.
Mom
Shhhh, she soothed.
But I cant remember! Why cant I remember?
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LIVETOTELL
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LIVETOTELL