Chapter 20
Icy wetness slipped over Alex’s chest and stomach, dragging him back to some pale imitation of consciousness. A sharp scent burned his nose, and the pressure still weighed on his chest.
He felt painfully bright lights against his face before he managed to open his eyes. Huge round spotlights hung above him. He narrowed his eyes against the brightest glare he’d seen in years.
Had lights always been so harsh in the old world?
The wetness withdrew, but an irritating, ticklish buzzing replaced the chill. He flinched away, then groaned at the tearing sensation in his ribs.
“Hey Alex,” a deep voice said. Not Etan. “Jeff here, Sandy’s nurse. Try to hold still. I don’t want this to hurt.”
“What to hurt? What the hell are you doing?”
“I just finished cleaning up the blood so I can
