It was a damp wet autumn morning. Tina awoke from her sleep hearing the faint sound of rain hitting a tin roof; she was feeling groggy and disorientated. He head was throbbing; she couldnt remember ever having such a bad migraine before..must have been one ***** of a night last night, Tina thought to herself. She had been having terrible nightmares the last 2 months, ever since her life, as she had known it, had fallen apart. She always woke up in a layer of sweat or with a mighty headache, subconsciously reliving the same dream, of that night; the night her whole world had crumbled!

Tina slowly lazily opened her eyes, she was finding it difficult to bring her pupils into focus; everything in the room was a blur. Her mouth felt as dry as a desert, and her body was stiff and limp.

Eventually after continually blinking, Tina managed to bring her eyes into focus. She started to regain her senses, and came to the realization that she wasnt at home, this wasnt her home. Where the ***** am I??? Tina thought.

She tried to sit up but her head was heavy, her migraine was too painful, she slowly turned her head from side to side, to try and ascertain where she was.

Tina observed the sterile environment and the beeping monitors; with people sound asleep in beds either side of her. God she was in hospital.

The last thing she remembered was saying good morning to her mother and then going on her morning run.

What the ***** happened after that? Think Tina. Tina thought to herself.

No sooner was she trying to wrap her head around why she was in there, and in fact where she was, when a young blonde haired nurse in a white uniform hurriedly approached her side.

Nurse: Oh my god. Tina, Tina Kennard youre awake.

The nurse immediately pressed the red button on the side of Tinas bed and couldnt stop smiling. Tina noticed and looked at this woman like she was an idiot What the ***** is going on here? Tina asked in barely a whisper, very huskily, her throat parched of water.

Nurse: (still grinning) Hang on Tina, the doctor is on her way. Putting a straw up to Tinas mouth, Its just water, drink. You sound like you need some?

Tina: Thank you?

Nurse: (excitedly) Im Lucy, and Ive been taking care of you. You are in St Christophers in San Francisco. We are so glad you are back with us!!

Tina was still in a haze, Thank you Lucy! How long before the doctor arrives, I really want to know what happened, I cannot remember anything after my morning run?

Lucy gave Tina a dejected look, not saying a word, and stayed in the room checking Tinas vitals, propping her up with a few pillows.

A few minutes later, quite a crowd had gathered around Tina, she didnt recognize any of them. They were all just smiling at her, most wearing white uniforms. Tina was beginning to get frustrated, Can someone please tell me what the ***** is going on here? Where is my mum Nancy or my wife Bette, or my friends? Where the ***** is everyone!??!!!??!?

Lucy: (calmingly) Dont worry Tina, your doctor will be here shortly and your mother has also been notified that youre awake.

Tina felt a bit disappointed that no one was there with her when she woke up. She had this feeling that her mum had just left, she remembered hearing her voice, earlier. Tina couldnt be sure; it was almost like her mind was playing tricks on her.

Tinas doctor arrived and entered Tinas room about 15 minutes later. The on lookers had all disbursed back to work. Lucy was the only one that remained.

Doctor: (smiling warmly) Hello, Ms Kennard, Im Doctor Hunter, Stephanie Hunter . Ive been waiting to meet you How do you feel?? checking Tinas pupils and reflexes. Tinas pupils were fine; her reflexes were weak.

Dr Hunter approached the end of Tinas bed viewing her medical chart; Tina noticed the doctor was a very striking brunette. She was about 59, slender build with straight long, light brown hair and chocolate brown eyes.

Tina: (almost pleading)Please tell me what happened to me Doctorum. Hunter? Why am I here?

Dr. Hunter: Ms Kennard.what do you remember about the last few months? I need you to tell me honestly!

Tina: (thoughtfully) Um.I had some personal problems with my wife Bette, so I went to stay at my mums place for a while. That was a few weeks ago. Yesterday well I think yesterday anyway, because its the last thing I remember, I said good morning to my mum and went for my morning run. I woke up a while ago and obviously its at least the next morning, as I can see the morning sun beginning to stream through the window; and I am in St Christophers in San Francisco. I have no idea about in-between my run and ending up here.

Dr. Hunter: (somewhat confused) We werent aware you had a wife Ms Kennard? Would you like us to call her?

Tina: (surprised) Oh Bette doesnt know Im in here?

Dr. Hunter: No, we have been solely conversing with your mother, she never mentioned about you having a wife?

Tina thought that was strange, No. thank you I will wait till my mum arrives. So what happened to me? Why do I feel like I was hit by a mac truck?

Dr Hunter: (in a serious tone) If you dont mind, I would like to tell you all about it, when your mother arrives. I think you need a family member present so I can explain to you properly your condition.

Tina was beginning to become worried, my condition. Oh god, whats wrong with me?

Tinas mum Nancy arrived just as Dr Hunter was finishing her last sentence. She came crashing into the room, took one look at Tina and the tears were welling. She ran to Tina, pulled her into a strong embrace and could not hold out anymore; she didnt want to, Nancy burst into tears.

Tina hugged her mum back with her weak arms as best as she could, and all the worry tears she was holding back, from the moment Dr Hunter had mentioned about explaining her condition, came flowing out.

Mother and daughter were both crying freely in each others arms, unbeknown to each other, both for entirely different reasons.

Dr. Hunter looked on witnessing the tender moment between the two women and tears began to form in her eyes also. Only one single tear made its way out and ran slowly down her cheek. This is definitely the best part of my job, Dr Hunter thought to herself.

Tina pulled back from her mothers embrace, staying in her arms, being held by her mum, just like she did when she was a child and had had a nightmare. She looked in her mums eyes and noticed Nancy didnt look very well; the spark had gone. Her mum looked somewhat older, and had worry lines on her forehead, that Tina hadnt noticed before, even her hair seemed to be lighter Tina thought, last night mustve been ***** for mum. She looks like she hasnt slept in a month!!

Tina: (smiling weakly) Hi mum.

Nancy: (putting on a smile that lit up the whole room) Hello Sweetheart, how are you feeling? Im so glad youve returned to us, you have no idea how worried Ive been.

Tina: I think I do mum, you.you dont look very well, I can see it in your face. You havent had much sleep have you? You look.. Dont take this the wrong way, mum. old!!???!

Nancy chuckled slightly at Tinas sincerity.

Nancy: You have no idea Tina. Its all ok now though, youre back (deep in thought) Words cannot describe how I feel right nowHow are you feeling sweetheart?

Tina: Not bad considering I have no idea whats wrong with me………….. Mum what happened to me after my run yesterday?

Nancy immediately looked over at Doctor Hunter. This didnt go unnoticed by Tina.

Nancy: (looking at Dr Hunter) What did Doctor Hunter say sweetie?

Tina looked intently back and forth at each woman, in an attempt to read their silent conversation, Dr Hunter wouldnt tell me anything until you got here mum. I tell you Im a bit worried. Whats going on? Whats this condition Ive got and what the ***** happened to me. I wish someone would be straight with me. Tina looked at her mum in frustration, her eyes pleading to know the truth.

Nancy: (looking wearily at Dr Hunter) Can you just let me talk to Dr Hunter for one minute. Ill be right back sweetie and well tell you everything, ok?

Before Tina could answer, the doctor and her mum had exited the room. Tina just sighed.

Nancy and Dr Hunter reemerged a few minutes later with unreadable expressions on their faces.

Nancy: (in a sincere loving tone) Tina, sweetheart, Nancy took her daughters hand, You were out running and you were involved in a hit and run, a vehicle ran into you and the driver took off, just around the corner from our house. It wasnt yesterday though sweetie, it wasit was (Nancy didnt know how Tina would react to the news, she took a deep breath, staring into her daughters terrified eyes) it was 5 years ago honey. Youve been in a coma for 5 years

Tbc?.