FORTY-TWO.

I drift in and out of consciousness as a bright beam of light casts over me.

Through a daze, I vividly see Alessandro leaning over my body, checking every inch of me as he removes his t-shirt from his torso and uses it to cover me.

“Don't give up on us, Farfalla.” He says in a voice that is laced with distress. “We found you, you're safe and Selena is going to take good care of you.” I can see him touching my body, but I can't feel him, nor can I feel the tears that are slipping through my closed eyelids.

Giving up on trying to stay awake.

I don’t fight to re-open my eyes and drift off, losing consciousness once again.

---

I do my best to peel my eyelids open, but they won't budge. I can hear voices, whispering tones, but I can't make out what they're saying.

I try to focus, but the slight burning sensation that is coursing through my veins overwhelms me and I start to scream, imagining myself pulling at my hair as my entire body feels like it's on fire.

“It burns! Ena, Alessandr