Once Found: The Pocket Watch Chronicles Read Online Free PDF

speaking English now.”
    “Really?”
    “Aye. Ye may experience other strong memories from time to time as well.”
    “What is this thing around my neck?”
    “It’s called a cervical collar. It was put on after the accident, just in case ye had broken a bone in yer neck. Ye didn’t. I expect they’ll take it off soon.”
    “Where is the light coming from and what are those noises? Everything hurts so much. Can’t I have some willow bark tea?”
    “My sweet lass, I’m sorry ye’re hurting. They don’t use willow bark tea anymore, but they do have good ways of reducing pain. Unfortunately, the longer I stay here and answer questions, the longer it will be before someone can help with yer pain. I know it’s all a bit overwhelming, but ye’ll be fine. I’ll come see you again when you need me, and we’ll have another chat.”
    “You’re leaving me? I don’t want to be alone. Here.” Elsie fought desperately not to cry. “I’m afraid,” she added in a whisper.
    “I know ye are, sweetling. But I promise, everything will be fine. I have to leave, but ye won’t be alone for long. And I must warn ye, don’t mention my visit to anyone. Ye see, no one actually needs to know that I’ve been here.”
    “Won’t they see you leaving?”
    “Nay, I have a way of coming and going unnoticed. It’s a gift that serves me well. Also, I must tell ye the special word, the return word.”
    “But I agreed not to change places yet.”
    “Aye, but that is a choice you have made by your own will. You are always free to change your mind.”
    “I won’t. Not until I know Elizabeth has done what she can.”
    “Still, you must know the word, even if only to ensure you don’t say it accidentally. It is a most strange word and I think that unlikely, but we must take precautions. The word you mustn’t say, until you are ready, is, nintendocore .”
    Elsie nodded. “I’m sure I won’t say that by accident.”
    “I thought not. Now, you’ve made a courageous choice. Hold on to that, and the universe will unfold as it should.” With that, Gertrude left the room.
    As she stepped through the door, it was almost as if she faded into a mist and disappeared. If it hadn’t been for all of the other fantastical things Elsie had learned over the last few minutes, seeing such a thing would have been terrifying. But really, disappearing was mild in comparison to having one’s soul yanked into someone else’s body.
    A woman with blue breeches and what appeared to be a short tunic out of the same blue fabric entered the room. “Oh, my goodness, Dr. Quinn, you’re awake. You were in an accident and you’re in the hospital in the ICU. My name is Jennifer. I’m your nurse. I’m going to get a set of vitals and then I’ll let the doctor know. She’ll want to examine you.”
    Although Gertrude had said Elsie would understand English, most of what Jennifer said made no sense. Elsie certainly didn’t know how to respond, so she opted for silence. Jennifer pushed a button on one of the—Gertrude had called them machines—and a band that was wrapped around her upper arm began to tighten. It became uncomfortable and frightened Elsie. “Get it off. It hurts.”
    Jennifer touched her shoulder. “It’s all right. It’s just the blood pressure cuff. It’s already going down.” Her voice was calm and reassuring, but her brow was furrowed. “There, see? It deflated.” Jennifer tilted her head to one side. “Do you remember what happened, Dr. Quinn?”
    Elsie shook her head.
    “That isn’t terribly unusual. As I’m sure you know, people with head injuries often don’t remember details of the incident. Do you know where you are?”
    “You said I’m…I’m…in a h-hospital.”
    “That’s right. But do you know what city you’re in?” Although Jennifer’s voice was light, she frowned. “Do you remember flying here?”
    Flying here? Could people fly? Gertrude said nothing about flying. She had mentioned a city, but