Carmela's eyes fluttered open. For a moment, she was disoriented, unsure of where she was or what had happened.

But then, the memories began to rush back to her. The accident, the injuries, the coma. She had been in a vegetative state for over a year. And now, suddenly, she was awake.

She tried to sit up, but her body felt stiff and uncoordinated.

She reached out with a shaking hand, grasping at the edge of the bed for support.

Her head was pounding, and she felt nauseous. She closed her ...