CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

I opened my eyes slowly, squinting against the harsh light of the hospital room. My vision was blurry, and I felt a heaviness in my head, as if I'd been drugged. I looked around, taking in the sterile white walls, the beeping machines, and the smell of disinfectant. A man in a white coat stood at the end of the bed, his face serious as he watched me.

I also noticed another man standing next to the guy on a lab coat. He was tall and well-built, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. As he gazed at me, I felt a sense of recognition, but I couldn't quite place him. Then, it hit me!, Carl Bradford. His eyes were fixed on me, and his face was etched with worry. What was Carl doing here? A million question raced through my mind, but I was too dazed to speak. I couldn't even recall why I was brought here. I hated hospitals, but lately I have been waking up in one.

"You are awake." The man on white coat said. "How are you feeling?" I quickly recognized him to be Doctor Bryan.

I struggled to