Lucy's Journal

2. In this past week's reading (Ch. IX - XVI), which focused on Lucy's medical treatment, un-death, re-animation, and final death, we hear almost nothing from Lucy herself. Write a journal entry from her point of view, in her voice, about this part of the novel.  Be as specific as possible -- touch base with an incident (or incidents) in the novel to ground your entry. You may take some liberties with her character, but don't turn her into a completely different person.

7 September – I woke up this morning feeling more tired and drained than the day before. I was lying on the bed in my chambers, resting as I had been for days. Taking a breath was difficult; my body shudders with the effort. I feel cold and isolated, my body an alien. All of a sudden, the sun emerges from behind the clouds, filling the room with light. The brightness hurts my eyes, and I shut them hurriedly.

I heard, rather than saw, the door to my room open. With a great deal of effort, I slowly opened my eyes to see John enter my chamber, along with a companion I’ve never laid eyes on before. The two slowly walked toward me, their watchful eyes taking in my appearance as only a doctor’s could. I followed their movements with my eyes, but otherwise remained still. John’s eyes widened in surprise at my decreasing condition, while his companion’s face was as set as marble. They stood there without speaking for several minutes before the man beckoned John into the hallway.

As the door closed, so did my eyes, suddenly exhausted with  the effort. An immeasurable moment of time passed before the door opened once more to reveal John and his companion. With an effort, I opened my eyes and turned my head towards the movement, but otherwise remained still. The man brought his medical bag to my bedside table; I heard the clang of glass as he began mixing ingredients. Coming closer to me, the man helped me sit up to drink the concoction. It smelled sickly sweet, and I was able to choke down the liquid. John and his companion watched me expectantly; after a few minutes, the narcotic began to take effect. My eyelids grew heavy and soon, I fell into an uneasy sleep.

In and out of consciousness, I’m not sure if I was dreaming, but I would swear I heard Arthur’s voice. And, then his lips on mine. Then, all was silent. And, I began to feel different. Stronger, healthier, like myself again. My breathing became easier, my muscles relaxed, and I drifted further into unconsciousness.

Then, all of a sudden, I was jerked out of my reverie by a sharp pain in my neck. In adjusting my pillow, the man had accidentally dragged my velvet choker with it. As it shifted up my throat, the fabric scratched the skin below, sending waves of immobilizing pain through my body. The man gasped, and I felt him freeze. And, just as quickly as it came, the pain was gone. Then, everything went black.