Waking to Agony

When Valerie opened her eyes, she felt like she'd been run over by a truck. Every inch of her body ached, and she was in agony all over.

"She's awake! She's awake!" Mallory exclaimed.

With Mallory's excited shout, the room instantly filled with people crowding around Valerie's bed.

Arthur and Miriam, their eyes red from crying, both asked at the same time, "Valerie, how are you feeling now?"

Roman