Before they even got to the door, they heard some noises from behind. Something fell on the floor with a clang while some grunts could be heard from behind them. They looked back in shock only to see the man who was supposedly asleep had woken up and was struggling to get up.
His face was sweaty and his movements were unsteady. The two men rushed back to his side, their earlier frustration forgotten in the urgency of the moment.
"Easy there," the first man said, gently placing a hand on the stranger's shoulder to steady him. "You've been through a lot. Take it slow."
The stranger's eyes were open now, blinking rapidly as if trying to clear the fog of unconsciousness. His breath came in heavy gasps, and his face was etched with confusion and effort.
"Where am I?" he asked, his voice hoarse and barely audible. His body felt like it had been hit by a truck. Every muscle ached, and his head throbbed with a dull, persistent pain.
