People were talking, their voices faint and low. I could hear them, but I couldn't see them. Whispering, murmuring, the words soft and tranquil. Was I dead? Had I taken the big jump? Bucked out?

My eyes were open, but I couldn't see anything. Panic! I was blind. I began thrashing about, but I couldn't seem to move. I was blind and paralyzed. And dead. No, not dead. How could I be dead and hear voices? Terror gripped me, and I gasped for air. I was at the same time choking, sucking air, and making little squeaking sounds.

Then the voices got louder. I felt hands on my chest, my arms, my legs. Was I being carted off to hell? Was I, in fact, dead? My eyes were watering now. Tears?

I felt a soft, cool hand on my forehead, and I stopped thrashing about. Then I heard a sof...

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