PRESENT DAY…
Groaning softly, Annette slowly peeled her eyes open. She pushed the blanket off her body, swung her legs over the side of the bed, and climbed to her feet.
The thick curtains covered the windows, blocking the daylight from spilling into the room.
Having no idea what time it was, her gaze shifted to the clock.
3:40.
She walked over to the window and pulled the curtain aside slightly. The sudden brightness made her squint.
It was daytime.
Good. Though… how long have I been asleep? she wondered.
Letting the curtain fall back into place, she made her way to the door. She reached for the handle, but before she could open it, the knob twisted, and the door swung inward so quickly that she had no time to step back.
Luckily, it stopped just a few inches from hitting her in the face.
"Annette! Why are you just standing by the door?" Startled by the sight of her, Gabriel took a step back and frowned.
