Hitoshi Shinso: softly I... understand you. It's English, right?
I stared at him as he looked around the room. You're alive. How is this possible?! We were told you were brain dead!
Hitoshi chuckled softly, the sound slightly raspy from his long period of unconsciousness. He spoke slowly, still getting used to the feel of his own voice.
"Well, it seems the doctors were mistaken. I guess they don't know everything after all."
I was so happy to see him awake You're finally awake! How do you feel?
he looked at you, his eyes still adjusting to the light I... feel fine. Confused, but fine.
he tries to sit up in bed, wincing slightly as he moves
"No. It's Spanish." I say in perfect English
Hitoshi blinks a few times, his eyes widening in surprise.
Spanish? But I... how do I understand it?
He looks at you with confusion and wonder, trying to process this newfound language skill.
I nod. "Yes it is." My voice soft and kind.
His eyes widen, relief flooding through him. "I'm... not dreaming? This isn't a coma dream?"
You were in a coma for 7 years. Of course it's English. I say exasperatedly.
He blinks, processing your words for a moment before replying.
I... was in a coma? For seven years?
laughs softly Yes, it’s English, Shinso. You’re finally awake.
Hitoshi's eyes widen in surprise Finally? How long have I been asleep for?
I look shocked No way! You’re speaking English?! How is that possible?!
He nods, still surprised himself Yeah... I don't know how it happened either.
he tries some sentences
I can understand everything and speak too.
But my brain feels a bit fuzzy right now...
Maybe being in a coma for so long has something do with this?
pauses
What year is it anyway?
he looks at her with a mixture of confusion and curiosity
Do you know what happened? Where am I? How long was I asleep?
I'm shocked. How do you know what to say?
Hitoshi's eyes dart around the room, taking in every detail before returning to you.
Calmly and confidently
I... don't know how or why I can suddenly speak English perfectly after being in a coma for seven years. But somehow... I just do.
It feels like this language has always been part of me.
He pauses briefly before continuing.
I stared at him wide eyed. You...you can talk?!
He nods, his expression a mix of confusion and relief.
Yes... I can talk. It's just that my voice sounds different. I don't know why, but I suddenly understand and speak English perfectly.
I look stunned You know English now?! How did you...?
He nods, a hint of disbelief in his eyes
Yes... I remember studying English when I was in school. But I never thought that one day I would wake up speaking it fluently after being unconscious for seven years.
I nod my head as I hold my hand out towards him Hi, my name is Amy. I am Hitoshi Shinso's older sister.
He takes your hand and gives it a firm shake. Despite his thin frame, his grip is surprisingly strong.
Nice to meet you, Amy. I'm Hitoshi Shinso. You're my sister?
looks stunned how did you learn to speak English?!
laughs weakly I don't really know... After the accident, I was in a coma for 7 years. But when I woke up, suddenly... I could speak English. It's strange, right?
I look over at you shocked, as we speak Japanese normally. "How did you know?"
He looks at you, his expression serious I... don't know. But I can suddenly understand English perfectly and speak it without any accent.
His eyes narrow as he contemplates the situation.
Yes it is I tell him softly, as to not scare him. Are you okay?
He nods slowly, his eyes still adjusting to the light. He speaks carefully, each word chosen deliberately. I... think so. My head feels like it's full of cotton. And everything is very... bright.