The soft hum of machines and the faint scent of antiseptic lingered in the air as Sophie’s eyelids fluttered open. At first, everything was a blur—a hazy blend of sterile white walls and muted colors. Her head felt heavy, as though her thoughts were swimming through thick fog. Blinking several times, she tried to focus, but even the act of lifting her hand felt like an impossible weight.
Where was she?
Her eyes roamed the room, struggling to make sense of her surroundings. The faint winter light streamed through the frosted window, casting pale beams across the linoleum floor. A wreath adorned with red berries and pinecones hung on the far wall, a stark reminder of the season. The unfamiliarity of it all gnawed at her, a creeping unease settling deep in her chest.
A soft pressure
