Chapter 136. What's Going On

Aria opened her eyes to the sensation of something in her nostrils.

At first, everything was a blur. The soft white ceiling stretched above her like an endless void, broken only by the pale glow of an electric bulb. Then a face slowly came into focus.

Her eyes widened. The blurriness flushed away like morning mist as she beheld a familiar face.

Emily?

Her lips parted, desperate to voice the name, but nothing came out.

Emily was dressed in white, her expression strangely peaceful as she smiled down at her.

“Aria…” Emily’s voice was soft, like a lullaby remembered from childhood. “You’re finally awake.”

Aria’s lips parted again. This time the words clawed their way out, trembling.

“Emily? It’s really you.”

A sob wrenched itself from deep within her chest.

“I can’t believe I get to see you again.”

Aria cried.

Emily’s smile widened, though her eyes immediately glistened with unshed tears. She reached down and gently squeez