Broken Brakes 5

Ray opened his eyes, even the headache was so strong, that it made him gag, nauseated. He was lying on a couch, near a double glazed French door, leading to an incredible bright green lawn, surrounded by deep green pine woods.

His eyes wandered around. The room where he was, was very large and it looked like somebody's study. The walls were covered by dark brown wooden bookshelves, containing a vast amount of novels, History books and essays. There was a mahogany desk full of papers and a last generation computer still on, against the left wall, near Ray's coach.

He tried to focus. Where was he ? Why this house ? Who lives here ? He can't explain to himself, how he got there. He tried hard to remember, but nothing came in mind.

He shook his head in disgust, and the pain came throbbing again. He could barely keep his eyes opened. And then he heard that voice again : 'Ray!'...'Ray!'. And the name 'Laila' popped up. But this time he couldn't relate any image to the sound. Or was it that he never was able to relate ? ,he thought unnerved.

He looked through the glass door. It was a beautiful afternoon. The sun was shining low, so it must be rather late. A small white dog ran swiftly past his eyes, barking after a colourful ball. And then, a pretty girl, with red long hair, and wearing a night blue evening dress, came jumping behind. She was laughing. A crystal high pitch laugh. It rang invitingly in Ray's ears.

He laughed. With a deep almost silent laugh.

Something in the girl was very provoking. Maybe the way she moved her arms, or the inclination of her slender waist. Before he could make up his mind whether to go out to her or not, she was gone; the appalling laugh trailing behind.

On her place, a middle aged fat woman dressed in black calico, came in view. She was waving her arms frantically, while shouting

'Miss Ara!...Miss Ara ! Please come back ! '