Maria.
I opened my eyes slowly, the weight on my eyelids heavy, as though they had been sealed shut for days. The first thing that struck me was the unfamiliar scent, clean, faintly herbal, nothing like the cold, oppressive smell I had grown used to. My vision blurred as I tried to focus, shapes swimming above me before gradually settling into form. Pale walls. Soft light filtering in through a narrow window. A bed that felt too warm, too gentle beneath my aching body.
This wasn't my room.
A spike of panic flared in my chest as I tried to move, only for a sharp throb to pulse through my head, forcing a weak gasp from my lips. I lay still, breathing shallowly, my mind scrambling to catch up with my surroundings. Where was I? How did I get here?
"Maria. You are finally awake."
