A Bitter Homecoming

AUDREY'S POV

The bright morning sun streamed warmly through the sterile hospital windows, casting a golden glow across the stark white sheets of my bed. As I slowly stirred awake, a heavy, persistent ache radiated throughout my battered body. It served as a cruel, immediate reminder of the horrific events from the day before. Every muscle felt bruised, and my head throbbed with a dull, relentless