-Elena-
The strong sunlight jolted me awake the next morning. At first, I was convinced I was back in my old room in the cozy little white house. But as I tried to sit up, a stabbing pain shot through my entire body, making me twist uncontrollably and groan loudly. Every part of me ached.
“Sh*t,” I muttered in a hoarse voice.
Despite having slept well through the night, I was now in excruciating pain. As I looked around, reality set in, and fear began to creep over me. I was alone in the room—no one was here to attack me.
How could I have been so foolish as to fall asleep? I wanted to hit myself for letting my guard down. I had only closed my eyes for a moment, and then I was out. I tried to blame it on the hot shower, but deep down, I knew my exhaustion was to blame.
“Stupid!” I scol
