Between Life and Death

Skylar

At first, I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming or floating somewhere in between. My eyelids felt too heavy, and every time I tried to open them, a burning ache pulled me back into the dark.

But after what felt like forever, I forced my lashes apart.

White.

That was the first thing I saw. White walls, too-bright lights stinging my eyes, and the strong smell of antiseptics. Everywhere was quiet, except for the slow, steady beep of a machine nearby. For a few seconds, I just stared, confused, until it all clicked together.

A hospital.

I was alive. I made it alive!

Before I could breathe a sigh of relief, another thought hit me… Mother.

I shot up from the bed so suddenly that I felt a sharp, hot pain in my thigh, making me groan loudly. I ignored it, my eyes flying around the room in panic.

“Mother! Mother!”

I felt tears burning behind m