Clean Slate

Nurses are strapping my wrists and ankle down, as the doctors runs through the check list. The beeping heart monitor is loud, but somehow calming. The clamor in the operating room, however, isn't serene at all. But then, silence, as if time itself has stopped. Followed by the click-clack of high heels approaching the bed. She checks in with the doctor who informs her that the preparations are done. She then approaches me and says, "Mr. Anderson, all the preparations are done and we are ready to begin your procedure. As protocol, I am obligated to go through the procedure with you and get a final confirmation before we began. This procedure will give you a clean slate, in other words, a new life. The procedure will erase all of your past memories including the memory of the procedure and replace them with new past memories you have created for yourself. Once the memory procedure is done, you will wake up to a new life we have set up for you, based on your description of 'perfect life'. At the end of the procedure, all of your past memories will disappear and you will never be able to retrieve them, do you wish to continue?"

"Yes."

"Okay then, the doctor will begin the procedure. Mr. Anderson, I hope you will enjoy your new life."

As soon as the click-clack of the heels exits the room and clamor begins as the machines warm up for their duty. The doctor leans over and says, "Mr. Anderson, we will begin your procedure now. You will feel a sharp pain from head to toe for about 5 seconds, afterwards you will wake up to your new life. Enjoy."

As the machines come alive, a tingling sensation flows through my body, then tingling turns into sharp pain. Pain that can only be described as millions of needles pricking every inch of your body. But then everything stops and only darkness shrouds me.

"Honey, wake up! Come on, wake up babe! You have to get ready, you're going to be late."

I open my eyes to see beautiful woman by my bedside. My wife.

"Good morning sleepyhead! You're gonna be late for work, if you don't get up now. Come to the kitchen when you're done dreaming, I made you breakfast."

My body feels stiff and my mind is a bit fuzzy, I slowly get out of bed and slowly make my way to the kitchen. I've lived in this house for over 5 years now, but for some reason it feels strange to me. Toast, scrambled eggs, 3 strips of bacon and a glass of orange juice greeted me at the dining table, my usual breakfast. My usual breakfast. My USUAL breakfast. It seems familiar yet strange. I take a look at my wife, sitting across the table, munching on her toast. She is definitely my wife, we've known each other for 10 years and we've been in love for 8 but something feels strange. She notices my glance and smiles. I smile back, I can't shake this strangeness.