The next morning at East Valley Medical Hospital, Maria awoke with a dull ache radiating through every inch of her body. Each muscle seemed to protest as she tried to shift, the stiffness making it difficult even to roll onto her side. The room was cloaked in darkness—only the faint glow of the bedside lamp pierced the shadows, casting long shapes against sterile walls. There was a small window, no hint of fresh air or sunlight to brighten the gloom. The stagnant air felt heavy, almost suffocating, and Maria couldn’t help but think that the place felt more like a jail cell than a hospital room.
She attempted to push herself upright, but the pain and weakness held her down. Frustration welled up inside her, and she clenched the bedsheet tightly, willing herself to sit. Before she could try
