Chapter 4

When I opened my eyes again, the first thing I saw was the white ceiling overhead.

The clear fluid in the IV line dripped slowly, making its way through the needle into my vein.

Michael was sitting on a plastic chair next to the bed. His shirt collar was undone, a rough layer of stubble covered his chin, and his cuffs were marked with darkened bloodstains.

When he saw me open my eyes, he stood up and placed his hands on the edge of the bed. "You're awake."

I turned my head toward the wall on the other side. On…