The sound came before the light. A constant, rhythmic beeping cut through the air, insistent, as if the world itself breathed for her. Each beep brought a piece of consciousness, and with it came pain that spread slowly, awakening muscles that felt like stone. The smell of alcohol and medicine burned her nostrils and mixed with the cold air conditioning.

When her eyelids gave way, the white ceiling welcomed her. The light hurt her eyes. There was a thin crack across the plaster, and ...