When Lily awoke, the entire city lay shrouded in darkness. Pain shot through her flesh, prompting a wince as she realized bruises covered her body. The discomfort extended to her heart, making her uneasy.
Summoning her strength, she forced herself to rise and immersed her body in an ice-filled tub. This act, reminiscent of her childhood when she sought relief from beatings by her father, was a familiar remedy. Closing her eyes, she tried to discern the sensation in her numb body. The heartache was overwhelming, and tears began to stream down her face. The depth of her anguish prevented her from registering the chilliness of the water.
The heartache…
"You're here..." she heard Drew say after finding her in the bathroom. She didn't listen to him walk in.
The man approached her a
