Diana
The world slowly comes into focus as I open my eyes, blinking against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. For a moment, I feel as though I'm swimming through molasses, my brain foggy and disconnected. The off-white ceiling above me blurs and sharpens in alternating waves as I try to make sense of my surroundings.
I shut my eyes tightly, counting to three before opening them again. The room stops spinning, but the heavy weight in my chest remains. As I attempt to sit up, a groan escapes my lips. Every muscle in my body screams in protest, and I realize with a start that I've spent the night on the hard wooden floor.
Staggering to my feet, I shuffle towards the bathroom, my movements slow and uncoordinated. The face that greets me in the mirror is almost unrecognizable. Puffy, bloodshot eyes stare back at me, rimmed by dark circles that I thought had disappeared weeks ago. My skin is pale and drawn, making me look more like a ghost than a living person.
As I
