Tick-Tock.
Tick-Tock.
Tick-Tock.
Tick-Tock.
I let out a groan. Everything hurt. I couldn't open my eyes.
"Nighthawk?" I heard a voice, but it sounded so far away. "Nurse! Nurse! He's waking up!"
I tried to move, and everything faded to white. I think I screamed.
* * * * *
Light. I saw a light, shining right into my eyes. I still couldn't open them. I heard voices again, but they were too far away to make anything out.
* * * * *
I can't focus like this. I can't remember anything. I keep fading in and out. I need to stay... awake...
* * * * *
Fire. All I remember is fire.
"IT BURNS!"
I hear something... It all... goes... white...
* * * * *
I inhale a deep breath, and let out a scream. It's all I can think to do. What happened to me? Why am I screaming?
Something... Something was hot. I... can't... think...
It clicks. Pain, hot. Can't open my eyes. But they are open, I just can't see. I jerk upwards, and the pain gets worse. I climb to my feet, and fall again. I claw at my face, removing the bandages. I still can't see.
* * * * *
It's easier this time. I'm not screaming now, but it's still so hard to think. I can't... feel... my... arm...
"Nighthawk..." I hear the voice, but it's so distant. I miss bits and pieces. I think she's talking to me, but my name isn't Nighthawk. It's...
Why can't I remember my name?
I feel something, but I'm not sure what it is.
"Do you remember?" The voice asks.
I don't respond.
* * * * *
My eyes creak open, and for a moment, I think I'm blind. As my eyes adjust to the light, I see I'm in a hospital, and all alone. I can't move my arm, and turn my head. I'm surprised when I see the burns. What happened? My eyes close, and I pass out again.
* * * * *
I feel something slide past my lips, and the voices start again.
"I don't know if it's good, but his temperature is finally going down." It's a male's voice.
"What is it?" A female.
"It's 143.4 degrees."
"That... High..." I croak out.
"Nighthawk? Nighthawk, are you okay?"
I think Nighthawk is my name.
"I... I can't think... Why can't I think?"
"You have some pretty bad burns covering your body. We've managed to put you on painkillers." Says the male voice.
I try to stay conscious, but it's a losing battle.
"What happened?"
"You charged into a burning building, trying to save a foal."
Foal?
"Did... Did it work?"
I don't stay awake long enough to hear her answer.