I felt like my entire body had been badly beaten as I tried to move even the slightest bit. Every muscle screamed in protest, and a wave of dizziness nearly overwhelmed me.
"Doctor! She's awake!" Jay's familiar voice echoed through the room as I tried to peel my eyes open.
With a great deal of difficulty, I managed to pry my eyelids open, squinting against the bright hospital lights. The sight that greeted me was a mix of relief and confusion: my mother and Jay were sitting on either side of my bed, looking worried and relieved in equal measure. I glanced around the sterile room, the white walls and antiseptic smell confirming that I was indeed in a hospital. How did I end up here? The last thing I remembered was being with Ethan—had he brought me here when I blanked out?
Claire, my dear, how are you now? Are you feeling any pain anywhere?" My mother's voice was thick with concern, pulling me back to reality with its comforting familiarity.
