A rolling pain in his stomach.
That was what yanked Eric out of his already miserable, restless sleep.
It wasn't just pain — it felt like his insides had decided to ride a roller coaster while someone swung a bat into his gut at the same time. Every muscle in his abdomen tensed painfully, twisting and clenching until he almost doubled over where he lay.
"Ahhh…" He groaned, curling slightly as he clutched his stomach. "Why… does it hurt so much…" His voice was low, hoarse, and the sound of it only seemed to bounce around the still room.
Dragging himself upright, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, blinking blearily at his surroundings. His eyes adjusted to the dim, flickering light of a single lantern in the corner — and froze.
