Chapter 10: Dream or reality?

Caitlin plunged into darkness, robbed of the ability to discern the world around her. Only the weight of darkness and sharp pain, tearing through every cell of her body, filled her consciousness. And suddenly, through the darkness and agony, sounds rang out like music in a distant dream. It seemed like someone was calling her name, urging her to follow the sound. Her thoughts were muddled, but something inside told her that this was the only path to salvation. She felt like someone was searching for her, like someone could help her escape this nightmarish situation.

The power of will overcame the pain, and Caitlin, opening her eyes slightly, found herself in an unfamiliar place. The first thing she saw was a hospital ward, bathed in soft lamplight. The scent of medical supplies and disinfectants filled the air. She felt the cold sheets and the soft texture of the pillow beneath her head. In the corner of the room, in an armchair, curled up in a ball, slept her sister, Maggie. Her face expressed peace and tranquility, as if she carried a bit of comfort and safety into this sterile medical world. Next to her was a small bedside table with medicines and medical supplies, beckoning to rest and heal. A sense of joy and freedom engulfed Caitlin as she realized that she was no longer under the rubble, engulfed in darkness and pain.

As if by magic, Maggie felt her sister coming to her senses. Her eyes slowly opened, and when she saw Caitlin awake, the expression on Maggie’s face transformed into boundless joy. She experienced mixed feelings of relief and joy, as well as a slight excitement from the alternating worry, all mingled with an incredible sense of relief. She jumped up from her cozy spot and ran to her sister with open arms. Her heart beat faster, her eyes glistened with tears of happiness. Maggie hugged her with tenderness and love, only a sister could give. It was an embrace that seemed to envelop not only the two of them but also the entire world.

“Caitlin, I’m so glad you woke up,” Maggie whispered, her voice filled with tenderness and care. “I was so scared when they called me and told me you were in the hospital. How are you feeling?”

Caitlin smiled at her sister, her eyes shining with gratitude and love. “Better than ever,” she replied, and at that moment, the whole world seemed incredibly beautiful and full of hope. Caitlin, with still slightly trembling hands, told Maggie about her experiences before the earthquake. “Maggie, I found a picture of that man you’ve heard about so many times. The one I’ve been telling you about lately. But as soon as I saw it, this chaos began. Maybe when they were pulling me out, they found the picture next to me? This could be the key to solving it all!”

Worriedly looking at her sister, Maggie tried to make sense of her words. “Caitlin, what are you talking about? I… I don’t even know anything about a men on the picture. Are you sure you’re okay?” Maggie squeezed her sister’s hand, trying to support her. “Let’s try to remember everything that happened before this. Maybe something will help us make sense of this situation.”