Valerie

“Mmm.”

I vaguely heard myself as I woke up. My eyelids felt like lead as I slowly opened my eyes, taking in surroundings.

My brain felt foggy, like a thick haze had settled over my thoughts. What was happening? Where was I?

I struggled to piece together my memories, but they seemed to be shrouded in a thick fog of lethargy.

“You're awake.” A voice called out to me, piercing through the haze. It was…so familiar…

And like a reflex, I forced myself to reality. Blinking ...