FLORA’S POV
The harsh brightness of the room hit me the moment I opened my eyes, making me wince and squeeze them shut again, waiting for the ringing in my ears to settle. For a brief moment, I felt like I was floating, weightless, but my entire body ached like I had been thrown down a ten-story building. Something warm touched my arm, and then I heard a voice—a voice I knew too well.
“Oh my God, you’re awake. You made it.”
I blinked a few times, staring up at the ceiling, slowly piecing together where I was. My head felt heavy, but I managed to turn it to the side and saw my mom, her bittersweet smile tinged with tears. She rubbed my arm gently, like she was trying to ground me back to reality.
“Mom?” I croaked; my throat dry. “What are you...?” My voice trailed off as memories fl
