Chapter 11

Footsteps echoed in the sparse chamber, punctuated by a steady beep. The air held a chill, like that of a hospital. The blankets were thin and coarse and the bed no better than the floor I’d spent the last fifteen years on. I don’t know which of these had roused me, or if it had been a combination of the unpleasant sensations. I allowed consciousness to creep back into my body; I didn’t move or even open my eyes for fear of what would greet me when I did.

“She’s waking up,” I heard a voice say but refused to acknowledge the statement. I heard bustling footsteps as things were moved and rearranged. I felt as though I was coming up for air from a deep plunge when everything hit me at once. I groaned utterly surrounded by strangers. My fingers dug themselves into my hair. and grabbed my head. My body curled in on itself as shudders wracked my frame. I gasped for air. My chest felt tight. I forced my eyes open. I was

“Administering .02 of Nembutal.” A voice said from beside me. Ice rush