#gassed

The Nurse adjusted my hairnet ignored my stammering, moved closer, and picked up the black anesthesia mask

She slowly lowered it towards my face.Her other hand cupped my chin, gently tilting my head back to meet the descending mask.

I could feel my own breath, hot and moist, mixing with the cold air the mask was feeding me.

I didn't like it. But I had to breathe and to my dismay, my throat stung this time.

The air wasn't just rubbery, but sickly sweet, like rotting apples. I coughed and instinctively tried to pull my head away.

“Yes sweetheart. Desflurane does have rather a pungent aroma. But it is very effective.”

The Nurse was holding my head, and her grip was firm. "Try to not struggle," she ordered, her voice soft but commanding.

I began to struggle, my heart pounding in my chest. I still didn't know what was happening, but I was sure I couldn't let her do this to me!

"Relax," the Nurse purred, "I know the gas smells strong, but you'll feel better if you just relax."