The more time passes in this big, empty house, the more life feels dull. I haven't an idea what happens beyond these walls. The only thing keeping me in sync with the world is the internet, and even that feels dull. I've read most books, grown sick of most video content and have become desperate enough to do math outside of online tutoring. It's exhausting, dull, and at this point I prefer white noise. The sound of my air purified humming and beeping, the far away noise of the TV. But the dullness definitely isn't the worst part.

As I lay back on my recliner, my focus solely on the rubber ball that I throw against the wall in a single-person game of catch, I'm careful of my right arm, at times shifting my gazd to the IV drip then back to the ball.

My breathing is steady as I take in the sweet (?) smell (???? Wtf) of oxygen thanks to the gas mask on my face.

I can just nary keep my focus on the task at hand, my movements animated as my half-lidded eyes follow the ball.

I sigh, I begin to feel nauseous, the taste of copper already filling my mouth as I can feel the blood and bile rising up my throat. When will the nurse arrive?

I throw my head back, managing to hold back for a moment as I hear a knock on the double doors. "Who is it?"