There was a cacophony of noises around me. I felt pain coursing through my entire body, and the intense vibrations of the impact were unbearable. The screeching of brakes, the pungent smell of disinfectant, and the ringing phone all assaulted my senses.

I let out a startled cry, "Ah!"

"She's awake! She's awake!"

I gasped heavily, feeling as though the surroundings were suffocating me.

"Chlo, are you okay? Chlo..."

I turned to the voices and saw my mother's tearful and anxious eyes. Lauren was by her side, supporting her arm. My father stood nearby with red-rimmed eyes.

"Mom..."

"How do you feel, Chlo? Can you hear me?" Ivanna's voice filled with concern.

I slowly turned my head to look at her, finding an expression of sheer terror on her face. Grayson and other relatives were gathered behind her, equally concerned.

"I didn't die?" I asked, opening my mouth.

"I didn't die?" I asked, the words more like an attempt at humor, but they left a bitter taste in my mouth as soon as I