(Azaria 'Ziya' Point of View)
I awoke to the dim light filtering through the fabric of the infirmary tent, the familiar scent of antiseptic and herbs wafting through the air. My body felt heavy, a dull ache pulsing in every muscle, a reminder of the grueling obstacle course I had just endured. As I tried to gather my bearings, a familiar voice broke through the haze of my thoughts.
"Damn girl, talk about go big or go home."
I turned my head to the left and saw Aniyah grinning at me, her eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and relief. Her voice was light, but there was an underlying tone of pride, like she had expected nothing less from me.
"What are you talking about?" My voice came out raspy, my throat dry and sore from the screaming and gasping that must have accompanied my ordeal. Aniyah handed me a glass of water, and I drank it gratefully, feeling the cool liquid soothe my parched throat.
