Chapter 82

• MONIQUE
• "...There you are," a distant voice echoed, pulling me from the darkness. The world felt hazy, as though I were submerged underwater, and the sound of the voice struggled to reach me. A cold, damp cloth pressed against the back of my neck, sending a jolt of awareness through me as I fought to regain my bearings.
• "Hey," the voice was clearer now, familiar and grounding. It was Dr. Laura. Her touch was gentle, but her concern hung heavy in the air. My vision swam as I blinked, trying to focus. I felt her fingers lightly lift one of my eyelids, and a bright beam of light flashed in my eye. I flinched, squinting against the brightness.