Strange Future: A 23rd Century Guide for the 21st Century Cynic by Josh Smith

  Chapter 13:

  Though time passed normally for mankind in general, time for Thomas, were he conscious of it, appeared to be passing very rapidly. Outside, the sun rose and set, the moon waxed and waned in a never ending cycle, and pinpoints of starlight danced in countless circles. Wars sparked and raged, and after many struggles, peace was made. Billions of children were born, aged, and died. All the while mankind was dreaming, innovating, and creating as part of the endless cycle in the name of progress...

  "Beep...beep...beep..." went the monitors. Thomas became aware of this change in environment and suddenly remembered where--and when--he was. He raised his head and tried to open his eyes, but the brightness was too much. He instinctively began pulling off the wires and tubes that were attached to him.

  "Hey..." a woman's voice said. "Are you OK?" Thomas squinted in the direction of the voice and tried to make out the figure of the grayish blob standing in front of him.