10
As I regained awareness, my head felt like it was going to bust open from the throbbing pain. One of my eyes was completely swollen shut and the other was just a slit, which gave me a narrow slice of vision.
I remained immobile on the hard, cool tile of their kitchen floor trying to find my bearings and determine if I could stand. The first edges of darkness were creeping through the windows, casting long shadows across the room.
After several deep breaths, I moved to sit up, taking it slow. The dizziness and overpowering nausea had me moving faster than I would have preferred. I made it to the kitchen sink before the violent vomiting began. The dry heaves continued for what seemed like a very long time as I leaned against the counter, too bereft and sore to stand upright.
When the
