~~~Lincoln~~~

I opened my eyes slowly, the bright hospital lights stabbing straight into my brain. My chest felt like it had been smashed with a sledgehammer. Bandages were wrapped tight around my torso, pulling with every breath. An IV dripped into my arm. My whole body ached like I’d been hit by a truck.

I must’ve been out for hours.

I tried to sit up, groaning as pain ripped through me.

A nurse rushed over immediately, gently pushing me back down. “Easy, Mr. Lincoln. You need to stay calm. You’ve been through major trauma.”

I winced, breathing shallow. “How long was I out?”

“About six hours,” she said softly.

I...