Chapter 10: The Big Change

I am tired and sleepy. It is almost impossible to open my eyes. I blink a couple of times, trying to do that. My eyelids are so heavy. It looks like I have been drugged. Why did they do that? Finally, I manage to open my eyes. After focusing them, I see that I am in my room again. My back is propped on pillows. My casted right arm is hanging in a sling in just the same way as before. Then, I see the big change. The traction is gone, as well as the short leg cast. Both my legs are casted and placed in slings high above the bed. The casts are identical. They are holding my legs straight. A bar spreads them wide apart. It is placed between my ankles and is moulded into the casts. My toes are fully exposed. I see speckles of plaster on them. A sheet is draped over my body. I lift it and peek under it. My hips and stomach are plastered. Only the area around my vagina is left free. The cast narrows at my waist, then moves up engulfing my breasts, and stops just under my armpits. The upper edge is padded so that not to chafe my skin. The enormity of the cast is frightening. Then, I realize that I am feeling more comfortable than before. It seems that my body is better immobilized. I can't even budge a muscle. That makes me feel secure and protected. I stir my shoulders. The plaster embraces me tightly. I should not be scared. For all I know the body cast is a step towards my recovery. It helps me to heal. And what is more important, it reduces the pain by immobilizing my bogy completely. I breathe a sigh of relief. Just one thing troubles me. My legs are stretched wide apart. Was it necessary? It makes me feel awkward. They must have had a good reason to do that. Nevertheless, I feel vulnerable. Something pops up in my mind. Nora's sister... Connie, her casted legs were spread like that when... What 's going on with me? I am aroused! I can't believe it! My body is shattered and immobilized but despite that, I am aroused. What a miracle! I giggle. My left hand slips under the sheet.