I sat up abruptly, wide-awake and crystal clear, expecting the fight of my life.

So how did I end up at home in my own bed, pajamas on, with the morning sun beaming happily in at me?

Did I dream the entire thing? Was it some kind of horrid nightmare? Had to be. How else did I make it home and into bed, safe and sound, when my mind told me I was so close to suffering a fate worse than death?

I had almost convinced myself when I happened to look down at my hands. ...