Dylan's eyes fluttered open, his eyelids heavy and reluctant. The first thing he registered was the hushed whispers and soft giggles of children.
Their voices floated around him, tinged with curiosity and a hint of mischief. He could almost feel their eyes on him, wide and inquisitive. As soon as they noticed he was awake, they scattered, their laughter and shrieks echoing off the walls as they fled the room, leaving a trail of giggles in their wake.
Dylan blinked, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The ceiling above him was a patchwork of decay, with sections of plaster hanging precariously, threatening to fall at any moment. Cracks spiderwebbed across it, giving the impression that a mere whisper could bring it all crashing down.
