Rachel POV
Early morning. A warm beam of light illuminated my face, dispelling the somber reverie that had held me captive. Groggily, I realized I had unintentionally forgotten to shut the window and curtains the night before, allowing the crisp morning air to caress my skin. As I touched my cheek, a droplet of water met my fingertips, evidence of the turbulent dreams that have left me unsettled. I switched off the alarm. It was 6:30 am. I was supposed to have been used to mornings by now, at least not after years of waking up so early each morning, but I feel the same every day. I hesitantly got out of bed, my parched throat struggling to form words. Thankfully, a glass of water on my bedside table quenched my thirst.