Derek’s POV
I opened my eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep. But as I took in my surroundings, I realized something was off. I wasn't in my apartment, or even in the city. I was at a dump site, surrounded by piles of garbage. And the smell was unbearable. I was sweating, both from the heat and from fear.
I pinched my nose and pushed away the trash cans, trying to ignore the overwhelming smell. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. But as I smelled my own body, I almost gagged. I reeked. I looked around, my eyes falling on a few houses scattered around the dump site. I decided to sneak closer to one, hoping I could find some water or food, or even just a shower.
I carefully made my way to one of the houses, the door creaking open as I pushed it. Inside, I found a man spra
