Anesthesia

Lying on the operating table, a wave of anxiety washes over me. An appendectomy should be routine, right?

The anesthesiologist leans in with a smile. “Could you confirm your name and birth year for me, one more time?”

“Taylor Smith, 1989,” I answer.

“Thanks, Taylor. Now try to relax. I’m going to count down from 10 and when you wake up, your colon will feel good as new.” They say.

“10. 9. 8 — “ Did they say colon? “ — 7. 6. 5 — “ I try to speak, but my world fades as the thought echoes in my mind.