Page 155 of Fame & Rhythm

I follow it down to my hand.

Hospital.

“Crap,” I mutter, my voice rough.

A nurse walks in, offering me a gentle smile as she checks the machines beside me. “Hi there. How are you feeling?”

“Uh… how did I get here?” My voice sounds distant, even to me.

“You were found at the emergency department doors,” she explains. “One of the nurses brought you in. We’ve run some tests. Do you remember anything?”

Fragments flicker through my mind—bubbles, music, something dark sliding down the walls.

What the hell…

“I… I think I was at someone’s house?” I say slowly.

She nods, watching me carefully. “Do you know who you are?”

“Annie Slade.”

“We thought so, but you didn’t have any ID or a phone on you.” She pauses. “Do you remember taking any drugs?”

A flash hits me.

A couch. A box. Pills.

My throat tightens as I nod, tears filling my eyes.

“It’s all right,” she says gently. “You’ve had a reaction. Our tests showed LSD in your system, along with your prescribed antidepressants, and a high level of alcohol.”

My stomach drops. “I took… LSD?” I whisper, the word barely making it out.

She gives a small nod. “Mixing those substances can be dangerous. You’re very lucky you made it to us when you did.”

A sob escapes before I can stop it. “I can’t believe I’ve been that stupid.”

“We’re flushing it from your system,” she continues. “You’ll need to stay overnight so we can monitor you.”

My heart starts to race.

Mum.

Dad.

Dad’s away, thank God—but Mum…

“Can you call my mum?” I ask quickly.

“Of course.” She hands me a notepad, and I scribble down Mum’s number, my hand shaking as I pass it back.

“What time is it?”

“Just after three in the morning.”

My eyes widen. “How long have I been here?”

“A couple of hours.”