Wrong foot.

  Things go way too fast when you want them to go slow. Didn't think I needed more hands. The first shot burned through my right quad. The second one hit close to the elbow as I fell down, then went through my perky, hard-working abs, and probably punctured shit conduits somewhere in there. I didn't feel a third, but that's what my brain tells me now. Brain didn't register either how I went from falling, to laying so comfortably on my back. One doens't fall comfortably on their back.

  Inhale. Exhale.

  The deep sigh sends a wave of calm through my mind, shoulder blades and upper back. I'm loving the bed. Anchovies taste like shit, my name is Oliver and I'm alive. It's good to let the world know some important facts after you wake up from passing out.

  Time to see reality and count the losses. I try to move my leg.

  It fucking works.

  I can feel my everything but nothing hurts.

  This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

  How much morphine did I get?

  Around me it's all greyish. Natural lighting filters through the wooden frame of an old window to my left, probably from a moon I can't see. I'm on my own and there is a closed door to the right. I feel like eating.

  It smells like fucking anchovies, and I can see someone thought it smart to put a plate full of them on the night table. Twenty inches from my face is no place anchovies have any right to exist.

  Hi Oliver. I am happy to see you awake, and kicking already!

  Still no one in the room, but that woman spoke right next to me.

  My name is Alux, and yes, I am right next to you, although I am also everywhere in this room.

  I'd like to welcome you to your personal…

  Oh shit. These guys are testing their latest ultra-realistic VR program. How do I get out?

  Everything is sick-clean, bright white. There’s a face with surgical mask slightly too close for comfort, and seemingly surprised that I'm staring back in their green eyes. And FUCK IT HURTS LIKE HELL. I want back in.

  Oh better. I'm back. Well that was stupid. Alright. Well, it turns out I'm only half alive. Yet.

  Hi Oliver…

  What's this smell? Oh I hate this…