Stupid

Ellen slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the harsh fluorescent lights of the hospital room. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled her nostrils, and she could hear the distant beeping of machines and the low murmur of voices in the hallway. She turned her head slightly, taking in the plain white walls, the small window with blinds half-drawn, and the chair beside her bed. She reached up to touch her face and then her body, relieved to find that she was still in one piece. "Thank God," she muttered.

What had she been thinking? The last time she had been in an accident, she had been transported to this bizarre novel world. Who could guarantee that something worse wouldn't happen this time? Death? She shuddered at the thought. She must have been desperate to do what she did. But as long as Aubrey didn't sacrifice herself, Mason wouldn't start to have feelings for her again, Ellen thought she would be fine.