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CLOSE YOUR EYES, SWEETHEART

Lizzie

JANUARY 29, 2004

R EMAINING MOTIONLESS ON THE TROLLY , I STARED UP AT THE NURSE AND WATCHED as she stuck the pads to my forehead and scalp.

“Close your eyes, sweetheart,” she said in an approving tone, stroking my cheek. “You’ll be fast asleep soon.” She checked the line in my hand and smiled. “Just like last time.”

And the time before that.

And the time before that.

Once the anesthesiologist arrived, he would put me to sleep with the mask.

Once I was out, electrical currents would be sent into my brain through the pads, and I would have a seizure.

Closing my eyes when the warm liquid flushed through my veins and the mask was placed on my face, I focused on the mental image of Hugh, while I prayed for my mind to never forget a single memory of him.