I was cold. I was no longer wearing my coat.
My arms were pinned down and I couldn’t move against the pressure that was holding them in place.
A blinding pain started shooting up and down my left arm.
Burning.
It was burning. Something or someone was burning my arm off!
I wanted to move my arm, move it away from the pain, but I couldn’t.
I wanted to scream but I couldn’t make a sound.
I was gagged.
Wiggling my fingers wasn’t possible and my hands were immovable.
My legs were bound as well.
And my feet. I couldn’t move a godsdamn limb.
Was I seated? Was I lying down?
The pain in my arm was excruciating. I had to fight back!
I tried to see my own feet.
All I could see was black.
Were my eyes even open?
No!
I tried to pry my eyes open but something was blocking the movement.
Don’t. Panic.
I took a deep breath. Trying to block out the pain.
At least I was still breathing.
Raggedly. But breathing.
And I had my mind. I wasn’t drowsy, I wasn’t drugged. I had a massive headache but my brain was fully functional.
I tried to wiggle my toes. Yes! Movement!
I exhaled softly in relief. The pain didn’t subside but the burning was constant, making it easier to block it out.
Information. I needed more information. Pushing down my toes I could feel something pushing back.
I was definitely not lying down.
I was standing up.
A small wave of panic washed over me. Then, slowly but steadily, every few seconds, wave after wave after wave would follow.
“Are you sure that’s how it’s done?”