Chapter 11: Choosing Myself
I was alive.
My eyes opened slowly in a dimly lit room, but it didn't take me long to register that it was my room. My signature scent filled the room as I squinted, trying to sit up.
“You're awake, ma'am," The man beside me said. He was old. His voice was nothing like the man who had approached me when I'd collapsed.
“Stella,"
Valerie!
I wrapped my arms around her, tears falling down my face without warning. This time, it wasn't pain or hurt. It was because I missed her and every part of me craved the bond we'd always shared.
“How did you find me?" I asked her, my eyes directly on hers as I pulled away from her hug.
“Someone called."
My brows pulled apart above my forehead as I pushed backwards in shock.
“Who?" I asked, my voice hoarse and unclea
