Somewhere in the distance, someone shouts. I ignore it, but it’s insistent, forcing its way into my mind. It drags me closer and out into the world. The closer I get to reality, the harder it becomes to stay where I’m hidden. When I register pain again, I know it’s only a matter of time before I’m back. I really do not want to wake up to the full force of this pain, but there is no choice.
Every part of me is hurting. It’s no longer only the sore shoulder but the burning arms, legs, torso, and head. Everything about me screams in agony. I want to beg for mercy of whoever is trying to contact me. I don’t want to feel anymore. Make it stop! I’ve had enough. I don’t care about the world’s suffering because the world doesn’t care about me. There is only me.
“Lucky, get up!” someone shouts in
