DANTE:
The bed was perfect.
Soft mattress that cradled my spine without swallowing me whole. Pillows that actually supported my neck instead of collapsing into useless lumps. Sheets that didn't scratch or tangle. The room sat at exactly the right temperature, cold enough to keep me from sweating, warm enough that I didn’t need to dig for an extra blanket.
I sank into sleep faster than I had in weeks.
Then the nightmare came.
The helicopter spun. Metal screamed. My father's hand gripped my shoulder so hard it hurt.
"Hold on!"
*We hit the ground. Impact rattled through my bones, teeth slamming together, head cracking against something solid. Fire erupted somewhere behind us, heat licking at my skin.
Dad dragged me out, stumbling, blood pouring from the gash above his temple. He got m
