47 Finally, Some Warmth (1/2)

When Mina gained consciousness, she felt numb. It took her a few minutes to feel anything. The atmosphere was still chilly. Unlike the biting cold that rendered her numb earlier, the chill was tolerable. Her teeth were no longer chattering although making any movement still took much effort.

It took her eyes a few minutes to adjust to the darkness in the room. She was eventually able to make out the silhouette of some pieces that would most likely be furniture.

'There's something wrong with my sight.'

Mina had to strain her eyes to see the things around her but everything still looked dark. Since she became a cat, the world looked better at night time. This time, however, she could barely see a thing in the dark.

Trying to feel her paws, Mina noticed that her claws wouldn't appear. After a second try, she was able to make a fist.

'That feels like a hand.'

Trying the same thing with the other hand, Mina was surprised when she replicated the motion.

'Hands? I have hands?'

Mina wanted to see if she was back in her human form but she could barely move her neck. Seeing no other choice, she willed her hands to move upwards to where she could see it.

Lifting one arm used up much of her energy but Mina persisted. Extending her arms, she felt something solid. Thankful for the support, she glided her hand over the smooth surface.

'Glass? Could this be glass?'

Finally, the hand came into view.

'Hands! It's really a hand!'

Mina continued to glide the hand upwards to confirm something else.

A wall.

There was an invisible wall between her and the world outside. Mina tried to feel through the space with the other hand. As expected, she could feel the same barrier from the other side. She looked outside, trying to make sense of where she was.

Mina felt her body shake. This time, it was not from the chilling temperature but from the fear that crept through her bones.

'Where is this place?'