**Chapter 15: Awakening**
Part 14
Hours later, Ashley slowly opened her eyes, unsure if she was dead or alive. A wave of confusion washed over her as she struggled to remember where she was and what had happened. Her throat felt dry and sore, and her head was pounding. As she tried to sit up, a sharp cough escaped her lips, and she groaned in pain. Where am I? she panicked, looking around frantically. But her gaze was blurry, and her surroundings were hazy. Panic set in as she tried to move her hands and legs, only to realize that she was restrained. A cry of distress escaped her lips as she tugged against the restraints, but they wouldn't budge. Ashley cried out, her voice hoarse from disuse. The sound seemed to echo through the room, and she felt a sense of desperation wash over her. Just as she was starting to feel like she was going to lose her mind, a gentle voice spoke up. "Hello, Ashley. I'm here to help you." A nurse with a kind face and a little smile walked into the room. Her eyes were warm and comforting, and Ashley felt a sense of calm wash over her. "Who...where am I?" Ashley stammered, her voice still hoarse. The nurse smiled and took a seat beside Ashley's bed. "You're in a hospital, sweetie. You've been here for a little while. You've been through a lot, but you're safe now." Ashley's eyes widened as she tried to process the nurse's words. Hospital? What happened? She tried to remember, but her memories were hazy. The nurse seemed to sense her confusion and took Ashley's hand in hers. "Don't worry, Ashley. You're going to be okay. We'll get you through this. Can I get you some water or something to make you more comfortable?" Ashley nodded weakly, still trying to clear her foggy head. As the nurse handed her a glass of water, Ashley took a sip, feeling the cool liquid soothe her parched throat. As she looked around the room, Ashley's eyes landed on the nurse's ID badge. "Nurse...Jenkinson," she read aloud. Nurse Jenkinson smiled. "That's me. I'll be taking care of you while you're here." Ashley's gaze drifted back to the nurse, and she felt a sense of trust wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, she was going to be okay after all.