I woke up to the sound of the monitor beeping.
I slowly opened my eyes.
The ceiling above me was white. It wasn't my ceiling. That realization came first, followed by a faint sense of panic that settled in my chest before I could fully think it through. The smell of disinfectant lingered in the air, sharp and clean, stinging slightly in my nose.
I sat up.
Pain exploded behind my eyes instantly, sharp and sudden, like something had struck the inside of my skull.
"Ouch," I said, clutching my head as I sat up.
My fingers pressed against my temple instinctively, trying to ground myself, trying to keep my head from splitting open. The movement made the world tilt slightly, and I had to pause, breathing slowly until the dizziness eased.
"Holland!"
Two voices spoke at the same time.
