Chapter 6

Lauren's POV

Beep. Beep. Beep.

That was the first sound I heard as I slowly began to regain consciousness. For a moment, I didn’t recognize it. I didn’t recognize anything. My mind was foggy, floating somewhere between confusion and panic. I had no idea where I was, and my body felt heavy, like it had been dipped in cement.

As my eyelids fluttered open, a flood of bright white light stung my eyes. I winced and turned my face to the side instinctively. That’s when the smell hit me — antiseptic, sharp and sterile, mixed with a faint trace of something metallic. The beeping beside me became more consistent now, matching the rhythm of my unsteady heart.

Then it hit me.

I was in a hospital.

The moment that realization clicked, I sat up quickly — but instantly regretted it. A sharp, splitting pain surged through my head, forcing a gasp from my lips. My hands flew to my temples as I leaned forward, trying to ride out the wave of pain. It