First came the pain. Perhaps that was the reason for waking up. It came in a huge wave, crackling in my head, pulsing in my arm, and working its way through my whole body. Then a bright light, shining even through my lowered eyelids, made me turn away, squeeze my eyes shut tighter. And then the memories flashed back.
The monster! I tried to get up, but my already splitting head ached even more. I struggled to open my eyes. I squinted, trying to see something, but it was too bright. I had to blink often to get used to the light.
A new wave of fear filled my mind, overwhelming me with terror. I remembered how I'd fallen and lost consciousness. I tried again to get up. What's wrong with me? Where am I? My eyes gradually began to adjust. My hearing picked up the chirping of birds, the splash
