My eyes slowly blinked open, feeling unbearably heavy. I didn’t understand why. As my vision cleared and I could finally see my room again, I noticed something odd. My body wasn’t just heavy. I was unable to move.
I glanced down, trying to see if I could at least wiggle my toes. Yes, they moved, but it felt like a massive invisible weight was pressing on my chest.
“James?” I turned my head to the right and saw Mara beside me. Her eyes were filled with worry, but there was also a hint of relief.
“Mara?” My voice came out hoarse, sounding foreign even to me. She quickly reached for a cup of water from a small table beside her. Lifting my head gently, she helped me drink. The water felt refreshing as it slid down my parched throat. Then she carefully laid me back down and met my gaze aga
