Chapter 3. Awakening to a Nightmare
Indistinct chattering filled the room as Maria struggled to open her eyes.
The voices seemed to fade in and out, distant yet persistent. Her eyelids felt heavy, her body sluggish, as she forced them open.
"Where am I?" she muttered weakly, her voice not coming out.
Her gaze landed on the IV drip hanging beside her bed. Confused, she tried to move, but a sharp pain shot through her body.
A numbness spread across her limbs, leaving her helpless.
Near the foot of her bed, someone lay with their head resting close to her legs, sleeping soundly. Maria tried again to sit up, but her body refused to cooperate.
Frustrated, she lightly tapped the bed with her palm, hoping to gain some control over her movements. The sleeping figure stirred. Slowly, the person lifted their head and rubbed their eyes.
"Cassandra?" Maria’s heart clenched with recognition.
The moment her best friend’s gaze met hers, Cassandra’s drowsiness vanished. She gasped loudly, a grin spreading across her face.
"You’re awake, Maria!" she cried in relief.
Without waiting for a response, Cassandra shot up and ran out of the room, her excited voice echoing in the hallway. "Doctor! Doctor!!"