36

I lost consciousness, and the duration eluded me. Upon regaining awareness, an unusual noise enveloped me—the resonant hum of a formidable engine. Unsure if it originated from the vessel, a more clamorous sound ensued. My eyes remained shut, shrouding me in uncertainty about my surroundings. Amidst the chaos, echoes of screams, gunfire, and an urgent call of my name reached my ears. Then, all plunged into darkness once again.

Upon waking, a white ceiling and bright light greeted me.

"I-Ivan?!"

The man I addressed approached with concern, and tears welled up in his eyes as he saw me.

"I had a bad dream," I murmured. He enveloped me in a tight hug.

"Yes, love. It's just a bad dream."

We are presently at the hospital. Ivan is in good condition, while there's a bag of intravenous cellulose water hanging, connected to my arm. I lost consciousness and had to undergo stitching for the wound on my cheek. The doctor mentioned that it was a deep and relatively large cut, necessitating