It’s so cold in here. I feel the goose-bumps tingling across my arms and body, and shivering spasms increase with every minute. The waiting brings a smothering heaviness, stealing each breath and stifling the silent screams in my head. Movement is impossible, the plastic molding holds me firmly in place, pressing against my naked buttocks and shoulders, legs slightly apart, arms by my side. I try ...

I wake up in the darkness, with nothing but the icy draught for a blanket.

I pick myself off of the couch, the cold suddenly hitting my body from all directions. I strap my arms tightly across my chest, fighting to keep the cold out, as I jog downstairs to the kitchen. My breath escapes in small white clouds.

The fridge lights are off, and I can’t smell the automatic air freshener going off. To c...