I WOKE UP AROUND 11 AM. I BLINKED SLOWLY, GROANING AS A DULL ACHE BLOOMED THROUGH MY HIPS, MY THIGHS, EVEN MY SHOULDERS. EVERY INCH OF ME FELT, USED, AND EXHAUSTED.

MY NECK WAS STIFF. MY BACK WAS SORE. AND MY LEGS FELT LIKE THEY’D BEEN THROUGH A WORKOUT FROM HELL. I LAID THERE FOR A MOMENT, STARING UP AT THE CEILING, TRYING TO DECIDE IF I EVEN HAD THE ENERGY TO MOVE.