Page 102 of Rush

I look out the window.

I’m outside my building.

I rifle in my purse, pull out a twenty, and hand it to him. I don’t wait for the change. Then, I fumble with the door, pull the handle, and manage to get it open.

I literally fall out of the cab. Bringing myself upright, I hold on to the car door. I get it closed and turn to my building.

The stairs look like a mountain.

I’m so tired.

I just need to get in my apartment, and I’ll be fine.

I stagger up the steps of my building, gripping the railing for support.

Somehow, I make it inside, and I lean against the wall, closing my eyes. I feel myself start to slide down the wall. Somehow, I stop myself. I push away from the wall and move over to my door. I dig for my keys and drop my cell on the floor.

“Shit,” I mumble. I don’t even have the energy to pick it up.

With a lot of difficulty, I get my key in my door. I turn the lock and open it. I fall through, losing my balance, and I hit the floor of my living room with a thud.

“Shit.” I moan in pain.

I can’t get up. I’m too spent.

What’s wrong with me?

I manage to shut the door with my foot and just lie there, unable to move.

My head is swimming. I can barely lift it off the floor. I try, and my stomach revolts.

I’m going to be sick.

I throw up all over the floor, right where I am.

“No,” I groan, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

What’s wrong with me?

I just need to sleep, and then I’ll be okay.

I hear my cell start to ring from somewhere.

I’ll get it later. Too tired.

I’m vaguely aware that I need to clean my mess up, but I have no energy, so I leave it.

I slowly drag myself across the floor, crawling toward the sofa. A wave of nausea hits me again. So, I stop moving and just lie down on the floor.

I’ll just stay here awhile.

And then I’ll be fine.

I hear my cell start to ring again in the far-off distance.

Later. I’ll get it later. Rest now.

I close my eyes.