escaping the real world

I was rushed into hospital

All white; a flurry of opening and closing doors; hearing the nurses' soothing voice. My body was sore and limp, and I just wanted to shut my eyes forever. I had to escape the noises, the feeling that I was stuck in a pit I couldn't climb out of. I heard mum crying, arguing with the receptionist for better treatment. For me. A tear trickled down my cheek. My breathing came in ragged breaths. I felt like there was a tight belt squashing my chest. I closed my eyes. The pit slowly but surely began to fill with soil.

Flashbacks.

I was 3, sitting on mum's lap. Visiting dad in his prison cell. Mum crying. Dad explaining how he stole the money for his family - for us. Mum's tears fall harder. Dad's voice rises as he pleads with her. I block my ears. Why are we here? what is daddy doing that suit? Why were mummy and daddy even arguing?? I begin to cry. We leave.
Five. Spot comes into my life. A little labrador. Memories of playing with him on the kitchen floor; laughinh