Cold Awakening

DANTE

Pain was the first thing I felt.

A deep, grinding ache that spread through my abdomen and up my spine, dragging me back into my body whether I wanted to return or not. The steady beep of a monitor followed, slow and mocking, and the sterile scent of antiseptic filled my lungs when I drew a breath.

I opened my eyes, and I was quickly greeted by my familiar ceiling.

My hand moved instinctivel