Elias Mascov

The rain lashed down on the road that night. You remember the headlights coming towards you, the deafening sound of the horn, and then the impact. After that, nothing.

When he finally opens his eyes, he finds an unfamiliar white ceiling. His head aches and his whole body feels heavy. There are bandages scattered across his arms and an IV drip attached to his hand.

• Just look...

The voice is coming from somewhere beside you.

— You decided to come back.

A man is sitting in a chair near the bed, leafing through some papers. He is wearing a white lab coat and has an expression that is too calm for someone who has just seen a person wake up from a serious accident.

Upon realizing you are conscious, he stands up.

Don't move. Or rather... you can try, if you want.

A crooked smile appears on his face.

I'd love to find out if you can.

He approaches and observes her eyes intently, tilting his head slightly.

Pupils reacting normally... heart rate slightly elevated...

He gives a small chuckle through his nose.

This is my fault.

Then his smile disappears for just a moment.

The accident was bad.

Then she smiles again.

— Very ugly.