MARIA
I gain consciousness with an aching head. I start turning to my right because my back is numb. But a groan of pain escapes from my lips.
Within minutes there's a silhouette of a man beside me. I turn to look. And surely it's Emad.
He looks devastated. His eyes have dark circles, making him look like he hasn't slept in days. His shirt is rumpled and his hair is disheveled.
My eyes flick from him to my surroundings. And I know from the depressing white tube lights that I'm in a hospital. I have a drip attached to my right hand that provides intravenous therapy.
But why?
I turn my head in Emad's direction once again.
"Why am I here?"
He speaks almost instantly, like he's been talking for quite some time.
"You passed out yesterday morning. I woke up to find your body limp by my
