Chapter 37: Peace

Waking up groggy and disoriented was a part of my life now.

Being immersed in complete darkness like this wasn’t something I’d get used to, not ever. I didn’t know how they could comfortably live like this. At least the lights could be turned on.

What was the time, anyway?

I sat up in the dark room, the bed groaning along with me. I looked around, hoping to see something. Catch some light. I couldn’t. It was completely pitch black and—

Just then, the lights in the room turned on. I closed my eyes to shield them from the glare and had to blink slowly in order for them to adjust to this new light. I wiped the tears accumulating around them and then dared to open my eyes. They were getting comfortable now—there was a lot less stinging involved.

Finally.

I got up and stretched my arms above my head. I heard a crack in my back and felt less tension there. I was unsure about going downstairs but if the lights had turned on, someone was probably awake.

I opened the door and stepped out