“Hopeless Dreams“

Adult Content, 18+- This short story may contain triggering content such as grief, the possible death of a loved one, adult language, mature sexual content, violence, and possible triggers.

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I DO NOT consent to my story being translated, copied or otherwise reproduced by anyone.

© All rights reserved

Audio Narration by Star Williams- 

Find Star Williams on (Tiktok- @tiana_nottheprincess, Twitter- @Tiana_Voice) 

Thank you Star, for bringing my story to life and giving me the courage to move forward with this project! 

Note to my Tiktok followers:

Without you, I don’t know if I would ever move forward with this project or my Debut novel. Over the years, I’ve allowed my light to be snuffed out, but you all came along and decided to fan my flames and with that, my flame grew brighter and stronger. I will be forever grateful. If you ever wonder if you make a change in this world. You all have been the biggest spark that has ignited me. Thank you, sister-mine. 

 

Voice Narration: Star Williams

IRIS

To some people, dreams are as clear and bright as daylight and can be as dark and horrific as the shadows lurking in the night.

I wonder what my mother does now as I watch her breath come in, her chest as it rises and falls to its rhythm—the only thing showing any sign of life.

 Sleeping Goddess is what I would name her if she were still art or a painting. A sleeping beauty. Her body lay still, her eyes closed, and her hands on either side of her body. She was like a doll or a perfect sculpture of an ancient queen- with delicate features, high cheekbones, and thick now salt and pepper-colored hair that cascaded around the curves of brown skin like spun silk.

The room was quiet, and all eyes focused on me. Looking at Dr. Ryan, I can tell this news isn’t good. He pulled my mother’s chart, instantly gaining control of the room. He hands it over to one of the young students next to him, and she fires off my mother’s chart out loud to everyone in the room. They were all standing there listening to this girl break down years of my mother’s condition with words I barely understood. The longer she spoke, the angrier I became. The few words I understood were because of the years dealing with my mother in this state for so long. I hated how they spoke as if we weren’t in the room. I’m here, and so is my mother; I want to believe she is.

“Good evening, Iris. I wanted to take some time today and talk about your mother’s condition.” His eyes made a quick acknowledgment of her before he continued. His eyes with what looked like compassion. “For quite some time now, there have been no changes in her condition until now.” His words made me want to be hopeful, but his somber expression told me to brace myself for the worst.

“Until now?” I questioned my heart beating so quickly I could feel the beating in my ears.

“As you already know, the damage your mother sustained in her accident has left her comatose.”

I listened carefully, growing impatient for a moment. “Dr. Ryan, we both know I know my mother’s condition. Be straight with me. I can take it.”

“As you know, we’ve been monitoring your mother’s brain activity. Unfortunately, your mother’s is a little close to none. Her chances of waking up are slim; even if she did, she might not regain full brain function.”

A lump formed in my throat, and I held the sob that wanted to escape me. I always knew this was possible, but hearing the weight of the words spoken aloud was much more challenging. All I could do was nod silently, unable to form any words.

“Are you saying I have no choice but to let her go?” There was a crack in my voice, causing my voice to be unrecognizable even to me.

“You have a choice,” he said, his voice somber. “Given the circumstances, it might not feel like it, but whatever you decide, we will make your mother comfortable and handle her with care.”

Those were the last words I heard him say. I heard him speak about counselors and support groups somewhere in my mind, but I wasn’t listening. I trained my mind on my mother’s face, and my heart broke knowing I would never speak to her again—all the hope I’d held on to all this time was gone in just moments.