Chapter 12. Recovery

Amelie

Everything hurts. I think there might be one spot on my pinky toe that doesn’t hurt. I cannot even open my eyes. My eyelids hurt. How do eyelids hurt? What is that smell? It’s an overwhelming smell of disinfectant.

“Inari, are you there? Did we die? I feel like death.” I tried to give her a reassuring chuckle, but I was a little serious.

“No, we didn’t die. Almost!” Her voice is soft and soothing.

“I think you should open your eyes; everyone is waiting.” Inari nudges me ever so gently.

I groan, “but my eyelids hurt.” Inari chuckles.

Hearing her laugh, even just a little, feels fantastic. It lets me know we are going to be okay. I try to open my eyes and they flutter. I am hit with white blinding light. I quickly close my eyes and groan again.

“Nope, too bright,” I tell Inari.

“Your eyes will adjust. You need to try again.”

I just want to keep my eyes closed and go back to sleep, but I know if she pushes me to op