Chapter 11

I woke with a start, my heart still pounding from the nightmare. The room was dimly lit by the early morning sun filtering through the curtains. I could hear birds chirping outside, their song a stark contrast to the terror I had just experienced. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. As I moved to sit up, I realized I could feel my legs, a faint tingling sensation coursing through them. Tentatively, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up, wobbling slightly but managing to stay upright.

I walked to the bathroom, each step feeling like a small victory. My eyes were vacant, the weight of everything I had been through evident in their depths, but I was alive. I took in deep breaths, the cool air of the bathroom helping to clear my mind. I turned on the shower, letting the warm water cascade over me, washing away the remnants of the nightmare. I spent extra time braiding my hair, the familiar motion bringing me a sense of calm and routine.

When I stepped out of the