1. Things Aren’t How They Used To Be
The room is white and she is not alone. The glaring intensity of the walls and the faint but sharp aroma of disinfectant make her think she is in a hospital. Her eyes are refusing to focus properly. They feel dry and gritty. Has she been in an accident? She can’t remember. As she scrambles for memories, she realises she can’t remember her name.
But she can remember his. A man is leaning over her bed. A middle-aged man with a charming smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. He is wearing a doctor’s coat. In his hand he has a syringe.
“Last time, Alex,” he says. She screams.
Alex wakes up sitting bolt upright in bed, her arms outstretched to ward off her attacker. Sweat pours down her back. Her heart is racing as if she has been running for miles and her throat is raw from the scream.
****
Alex automatically pressed her hand to her chest as if some part of her feared her heart was about to break out from her ribs.
