"Just one more day."
Ethan rubbed at his aching ribs as he slowly sat upright on the thin prison mattress. Every breath hurt, and every ounce of pain reminded him of the suffering he had endured the day prior.
He had stopped counting how many times he had nearly died.
Monster Manor did that to people, and every morning was simply another chance to survive until tomorrow. He stood before the dull, reinforced mirror bolted onto his wall.
His reflection looked back at him.
Dark rings beneath bloodshot blue eyes.
He had fresh cuts, split lips, and was riddled with bruises, not to mention his scarred knuckles that looked like he had put his hands inside a grinder.
Ethan barely recognised himself anymore.
"Looking rough," he muttered.
He splashed cold water on his face while waiting for the familiar announcement.
"Beep! Cell doors opening!"
The routine and voice never changed.
