Artificial Heart

30

Prisha went over to the door and tried to open it. She checked the windows but there was no going there. And what the hell would she do anyway even if she managed to get out? Hitchhike?

She was standing by the window, watching as a pair of soldiers walked past, when she slapped a hand to her pelvis with a grimace. Not again. Biting her lip, Prisha leaned over, bracing her head against the window. After several long moments, the pain started to lessen.

But she didn't feel better.

She staggered at a wave of dizziness. She turned cold. Sweat beaded the back of her neck. She slumped down onto the couch, throwing her feet up on the arm. The room was spinning.

Closing her eyes, Prisha took several long, deep breaths. 'What have you done to me, Alf?'

Then the nausea came. She sat up, then leapt to her feet, crashing through the bathroom door. She threw open the toilet seat. Her knees hit the floor and she vomited. Closing her eyes, she panted. She tried to vomit a second time but nothing came up.

Curling her legs up beneath her, she sat up against the wall. Sweat was beading under her hairline now. Her shirt felt damp. Shakily, she got up, went over to the kitchenette and got herself a drink of water. Her hand was trembling.

Prisha shook her head, as though she could shake away the pain pressing against her temples. Finishing her drink, she staggered over to the couch. The moment her head hit the cushion, she was asleep.

'Prisha. Prisha.'

Prisha turned her head with a groan.

'Wake up. It's time to go.' Somebody rubbed her shoulder.

Prisha's eyes slid open. A fuzzy face was looking down at her. Another fuzzy figure stood behind it. Prisha blinked several times and realised it was Kylie and Paul. The door was open behind them.

Kylie helped her to sit her up. Prisha wiped the sweat from her brow.

'Are you all right?' Kylie asked, forehead furrowed. 'You look sick.'

'Tired. Sore. I vomited.' Prisha rubbed at the back of her neck. 'I think I got some on the floor. I'm sorry.'

'That's all right.' Kylie frowned. 'Is this new?' She looked behind her at Paul. Something passed between them.

'They can figure it out,' Paul said ominously.

'They,' Prisha said. There was that word again. 'Who's They?'

'Here let us help you up.' Kylie grabbed her arm. Paul came over to assist.

'I'm okay. Really. I'm okay.' But she grabbed at Kylie's shoulder for support. 'Just having one of my episodes. Phew.'

Her knees buckled and Paul caught her. The room turned dark. Prisha blinked and rolled her eyes. She was moving but she wasn't walking. Paul was carrying her. His fuzzy face was above. There was a lot of noise. Talking. Then shouting. There came a very loud beating. It seemed to thud right through her body. Right through her bones. It made her ears ache.

'What's wrong with her?!' shouted a voice over the noise.

'I don't know!' Paul responded.

'Prisha? Can you stand?' Kylie spoke in her ear.

'I think so,' she gasped.

There was a black shape ahead—clearly the helicopter. More fuzzy figures. She was on her feet. Someone grabbed her and dragged her bodily over to the helicopter. Her knees kept buckling. She was scooped up and then she was inside. The beating of the blades changed, sounding muffled. A door slammed shut.