KADEN
I woke up to be greeted by the piercing light from above after being covered in darkness for so long. My whole body ached, with each muscle complaining as though I’d been dragged through hell and back. I frowned, shifting against the sheets while my eyes adjusted to both the brightness and the sterile smell of the place.
It was a hospital. So, I survived then.
I tried sitting up, but the sharp pull in my chest warned me otherwise. Just then, the door swung open.
“Denzel,” I croaked, my voice raw and my throat was dry like sandpaper.
He walked to my side, pouring water from the jug on the side table and handing me a glass. “Easy,” he muttered.
The cool liquid soothed my throat and I let out a deep breath.
“How’re you holding up?” he asked, settling into the chair beside my bed,
