Black hair Quote by Michelle Hodkin
““The first thing I noticed when I woke up was that I was covered in blood. The second thing I noticed was that this didn’t bother me the way it should have. I didn’t feel the urge to scream or speak, to beg for help, or even to wonder where I was. Those instincts were dead, and I was calm as my wet fingers slid up the tiled wall, groping for a light switch. I found one without even having to stand. Four lights slammed on above me, one after the other, illuminating the dead body on the floor just a few feet away. My mind processed the facts first. Male. Heavy. He was lying face down in a wide, red puddle that spread out from beneath him. The tips of his curly black hair were wet with it. There was something in his hand. The fluorescent lights in the white room flickered and buzzed and hummed. I moved to get a better view of the body. His eyes were closed. He could have been asleep, really, if it weren’t for the blood. There was so much of it. And by one of his hands it was smeared into a weird pattern. No. Not a pattern. Words. PLAY ME. My gaze flicked to his hand. His fist was curled around a small tape recorder. I moved his fingers—still warm—and pressed play. A male voice started to speak. "Do I have your attention?" the voice said. I knew that voice. But I couldn’t believe I was hearing it.””
About This Quote
A protagonist awakens to a gruesome scene, yet remains detached, focusing on details and a mysterious recorded message, highlighting shock, denial, and the uncanny calm of trauma.
In simple terms: Cold, analytical response to violent shock.
Trauma can mute instinctual panic.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- crime scene investigation
- psychological thriller opening
- character introduction
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- setting tone for suspense
- building intrigue
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the protagonist’s composure reveal about their past?
- How does the recorded voice shape the reader’s expectations?
The calm may be unrealistic, as most people would experience panic or fear in such a scenario.