The lack of air was suffocating. My breath got caught in my throat as it felt too warm and stuffy. My stomach rumbled, reminding me of not having taken a morsel since lunch.
I opened my eyes and faced the dark ceiling, watching the flames of the soft fire dance on it. After huffing and puffing to get more air, I stood up and walked to the window, pushing it open.
I sighed as I stepped into the balcony, looking up at the midnight blue sky. The beads of perspiration that sat on my head trickled down. I wiped them out with the hem of my sleeve as I couldn't find my handkerchief, and breathed deeply.
The stench of rain and mud filled the air, which would have been relieving if it weren't for the tightness in my chest. The room was too warm and the weather outside too humid. The only option that remained was to step out of the room.
