Hell and back

KELANI POV

The murmur of voices snapped me back to reality. My eyes stung as I struggled to open them, and my head throbbed. They felt heavy, as though I was lugging around an extra head. My hands were unresponsive; I couldn't budge them. I wondered if they were frozen in place or if it was me struggling to move them.

I was in the infirmary, no doubt about that. I didn't need to see it to confirm it. The scent of antiseptic and bleach hung in the air, mingling with the hum of machines.

"Will she be okay?" Riley voiced out. She was here.

My eyes snapped open, only to quickly shut again due to the harsh lighting. Wincing, I shielded them with one hand as I used the other to prop myself up.

"Kelani," Riley murmured, hurrying to my side.

Frowning, I looked at her. Mascara streaked down her face, and dried tears still marked her cheeks. Her nose was somewhat puffy, making me wonder how long she had been crying for.

"Were you crying?" I asked.

Riley shook her head. "I was just upset."

"You