THIRTY NINE

Alisha’s POV

It was dark, and I was in the water, swimming endlessly. Everywhere was dark and cold and I felt lost.

Where was I?

I heard a sound and turned to see two lights. Suddenly it became clear.

I was in a dream and I had to wake up.

Putting all energy behind my strokes, I swam towards those two lights. The cold began to thaw and I felt warmth envelope me.

Mother, the lights called me.

My children. Not one, but two.

I had to wake up for my children.

I reached towards the warm lights, which seemed so far away. But then, it was all around me in a flash, and I was blinded by the magnificence of its glow.

I was safe.

I opened my eyes, my vision blurred for a few seconds, and found myself looking up at a familiar ceiling.

The scent of cleaning fluids and home made me realize where I was.

The pack clinic.

I sat up slowly, looking around in wonder. The sunlight peeked through the curtains. How long had I been asleep?

Looking down at myself, I found I was still in the clothes I had worn