Waking to a Lie

When Tess woke up again, only three hours had passed.

She couldn't remember what she had been doing three hours before, but when she woke up, she saw Miriam stroking her hair.

"Mom..." Tess's voice was sweet, and her eyes sparkled even more clearly than before.

"My Tessa, you're awake." Miriam's eyes brimmed with undeniable affection.

Tess slowly sat up and asked, "Hm? Why are we here? Where is th