When we got back home, I felt so tired and hopped in the shower. I don’t know how long I was in there before Luciela came in to check on me but it must have been at least an hour. I’m not sure when the water turned cold but I had used up all the hot water. I just zoned out and lost track of all of my surroundings. Staring into the nothingness Luciela opened up the curtains.

“ Oh sweetie you’re freezing. Come here and get some clothes on. “ As I was stepping out of the shower with the support of Luciela I started getting dizzy. Everything went black.

I don’t know what happened, but when I woke up I was wearing a tank top and shorts, under a blanket in bed. Luciela was next to me reading a book. I couldn’t make out anything in the room with definition since everything was blurry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I don’t want to deal with this right now. I drift back into my naturally sleepy state.

When I wake up it's already light outside. How long did I sleep? I don’t even care I feel so much better now. Before I can get out of bed, Luciela noticed that I was up and came over to check on me.

“Please Riya, stay in bed a little longer.”

“...” I try to make out a sentence, to let her know I am okay and don’t need her to take care of me. But I can barely even make out a groan. So instead I motion for a pen and paper or my phone so I can still communicate. This sudden movement reminded me of why I was in so much pain in the first place, my neck. I winced, and of course, Luciela noticed.

A few minutes later she returned with hot tea, a piece of chocolate, and my phone. She didn’t have to do that, but I won’t turn it down. I’m not sure what exactly I want to say, but I start typing anyway.

“Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry that I hurt you. Are you feeling better after you got some sleep?” She checked her phone after I sent her a message. “You slept for about 26 hours.” I am in shock and my face must show it because she starts patting my head and giving me kisses. “You woke up once from a nightmare. I don’t know what it was about but you were screaming at someone. I tried to calm you down and get you to go back to sleep but nothing was working.” I feel bad because I know exactly what nightmare she is referring to. I dreamt that she was truly coming after me. That she wanted to kill me.