I can't remember if I've ever felt this cold. My body is like a block of ice, without any trace of warmth. It's uncomfortable, silent and dark. Oh, so dark! Even if I wanted to open my eyes, it is impossible to move them. They are sealed shut from the frost forming on my lashes.
I can imagine myself floating through the pitch black, vast depths of space, without a single star lighting the way, hopeless and alone. Apart from my racing, muddled thoughts.
My breathing quickened, my warm breath dissipating into the freezing air. I'm starting to wonder if this feeling will ever end. How did I find myself in this predicament? I'm trying to search through my memories, but I cannot recall anything and I'm desperately struggling to control my growing fear.
Then, I notice a pleasant change in the air around me, like a fireplace being lit. The heat spread from my fingers and toes, emanating into my limbs and melting the frost from my skin. A sense of calm travels with it and I sigh in relief. My body subconsciously shifts towards the heat source. Gradually, one by one, my memories come flooding back.
'Am I actually alive? How am I still here?'
I cannot comprehend how this is even possible. I thought they would have given up decades ago.
I stretched out my long legs and raised my arms above my head to ease my tired, aching muscles. Suddenly, my hands come into contact with a hard, smooth surface directly above my head. When I force my eyes open, bright white lights flood my vision and a whooshing sound fills my ears.