Comatose

by Graham Saunders

  ~o~

  Emily had been sleeping a lot, but when she was awake she had tried to push against the membrane which tantalized her. The voices were important; she felt that she would learn a lot from them if only they were louder and clearer, if only she could break through. But it was difficult, the membrane remained impenetrable. However she had now found the strength to enter the cottage and could stay there for longer and longer before feeling the need to retreat to the garden. Despite the real world now held in winter's grip, Emily was always warm and relaxed in the garden. She never saw anyone, but sometimes had the feeling that someone had visited her world. How very strange she thought.