REM – young adult novel, by Cheryl Abbott
Prologue
It was my choice to make. I had already decided. Yet everyone around me felt compelled to dissuade me. As I carefully selected my most comfortable pajamas from the bottom drawer of the armoire, a sudden sense of concern overcame me. What if they were right? What if this was more than I could manage? I’d be leaving so much behind.
The emotion pushing its way up the back of my throat was unnerving. I quickly pulled the yellow tank top over my head and lifted my long, slightly tangled, straight brown hair out from underneath and over to one shoulder. A nervous smile crept across my face as I pulled the matching cotton shorts up over my hips, remembering how my brothers always complained of how tomboyish I appeared, not even bothering to tie them in a quaint little bow. Yanking the brush through my hair, I could hear the whispered sound of my father’s voice in my head. You can do this. You’re strong. And you’re the only one with the ability to make it right.
I jumped at the knock on the bedroom door. Gathering my composure, I let out a deep sigh and prepared myself for the induced sleep I was about to endure.
I hesitantly opened the door and tried to look past the saddened, yet tranquil, green eyes of the one I loved. I didn’t want to look at him. I knew if I did, he might stand a chance at talking me out of the task at hand.
My oldest brother stood behind him at the top of the steps with the doctor at his side. I nodded, giving them permission to enter. It was time. I didn’t know how long the sleep would last. I didn’t know if I’d be able to find my way out of the induced coma I was about to surrender to. I didn’t even know if I would be able to dream the things needed to be seen. But I was certain it needed to be done.
