Darkness.
Then breath.
A sharp, shuddering gasp tore out of me as I woke up. My body jerking upright like a puppet pulled by invisible strings. My hands instantly shot to my head, clutching it tightly, fingers digging into my scalp. My mind was a storm, a whirlwind of emotions I couldn't control. Grief. Pain. Regret. It all crashed over me like a tidal wave, threatening to pull me under. I couldn't understand it. I didn't want to understand it. I didn't want to know why. I just wanted it to stop.
My chest caved inward as something deep inside me twisted and cracked, raw and unbearable. A silent scream built in my throat, a soundless wail of anguish, but I bit down on my lower lip hard enough to taste blood.
Why?
