37
His consciousness came in like the tide and washed out the same way, lulling him into a dreamless darkness. Voices called to him. Light flashed, followed by searing pain. The darkness always returned.
Austin heard the soft drone of computers, possibly an air conditioning unit rumbling to life.
“Keep resting,” a familiar voice said.
He tried to pry open his eyes, ignoring the flash of pain in his face, but gave up the fight. He couldn’t feel the rest of his body anymore. No pain, no comfort, nothing but the sting of a cut on his cheek. His head fell to the side and the darkness returned.
When he opened his eyes this time, an unfocused white light surrounded him.
You died.
The thought shocked him.
He sat for a moment, contemplating the reality he might have died. He felt a blanket
