Reality Knocks

CASSIA

I dragged myself out of bed the next morning, my limbs heavy and protesting every single movement. The thin mattress provided zero comfort, leaving my muscles stiff and aching. A massive, heavy weight pressed down painfully on my chest, making it incredibly hard to draw a full breath. I stood in the center of the cramped bedroom, staring blankly at the faded wallpaper peeling at the corner