Ella

I stir, fighting my way out of a haze that felt like it had wrapped itself around me for days. My body aches as if it were one massive bruise, every muscle protesting even the slightest movement. The fluorescent lights above are too bright; it's like staring directly into the sun. I wince, trying to shield my eyes but realizing my limbs are too heavy to move.

Where am I? Hospital. My hospital. I can make out the sterile smell of antiseptic and faintly hear ...