The Omniscrolls

I woke up in a hospital bed, wondering how I got there. “Oh, Mrs. Estephan, you're awake. Wait, I'll get the doctor,” a nurse said. The doctor walked in and informed me that I had a panic attack. ‘Poor Miles, he can't get a good night's sleep thanks to my issues,’ I thought. “Mrs. Estephan, I want to talk to you about your health scare?” Doctor Rhodes said. “Yes, doctor, shoot away,” I replied. “Well, you don't have any blocks in your heart, so it seems as if you had a panic attack,” he said. “Are you being treated for any health issues?” he asked. “No, I don't have any of that. I was given a clean bill of health in my yearly health check-up, which was two months ago,” I replied. “Okay, then have you been experiencing any stress? What I mean is, have there been any stressful events in your life recently?” he asked. “Well, I have been having a problem which has been causing me to have sleepless nights fueled with terror,” I replied. “What does that mean?” ...

As I hadn't any meetings for the day, I decided not to go to the office. We packed up a few things to take to the hotel as we were moving in there until we could sell the house and purchase a new one. Miles made an appointment with the therapist. “We can go see her on our way to the hotel,” he said, putting his arms around me and holding me close. “How did I get so lucky?” I said as he kissed me. “What do you mean?” he asked. “I mean, how did I get so lucky to have a loving husband like you?” I said. “I don't know, maybe it's because you’re hot and rich,” he said, making me frown. “What did I say?” he asked. “Really, so you’re after my money?” I asked. He smiled as he said, “Just kidding babe. Besides, I did say you're hot, but all you heard was the ‘rich’ part. You’re so negative,” he said. “No, I'm not,” I said, annoyed. “How’re you doing, Mrs. Estephan, have you been able to get much sleep?” The therapist asked. “I did for the past week, but then it ha...

After the session, as we drove back, I turned to Miles and asked, “What do you think about what the doctor said? I mean, do you think it’s guilt that's causing these issues, and if so, why now?” I asked. “Well, I think it’s possible because your love for Jonathan was very strong,'' Miles said. “What does that mean? Are you saying I love Jonathan more than you?” I asked. “Of course you do; he was your first choice, wasn't he?” Miles asked. “Really, because I married him first?” I asked. “Yes, you chose him over me,” he said. “I know he was your first real love,” Miles said. “Why are you saying these things, Miles, don't you know how much I love you?” I asked. “I do, and I'm not mad at you; I’m just saying that he still has a special place in your heart,” he said. “I had no idea you felt this way, Miles. What can I do to prove my love to you?” I asked. “You don't have to. I understand that Jonathan was special,” he replied. “No, Jonathan was my past and...

“Who’s there? Show yourself!” I shouted, but the words didn’t come out. I tried to put the bedside lamp on, but I couldn't move. I was paralysed. I have heard about sleep paralysis, but I have never experienced it before today. I tried hard to move or scream, but it was to no avail. I could feel someone or something come towards me, but there was nothing I could do but tremble in fear and hope my husband would wake up and help me. Suddenly, the light came on. “Giada, what's wrong?” Miles asked. I couldn't speak although I tried to. “Giada, honey, talk to me. You look as if you have seen a ghost,” Miles said, holding me by my shoulders. His touch helped me get out of the state of paralysis. I moved my head to his chest, grabbing onto him tightly. “What happened, was it another nightmare?” he asked while slowly stroking my hair. “It wasn't a nightmare; someone was in the room,” I said, trembling in fear. “Come on, honey, I was here the whole time; there couldn...