Lost

River gradually regained consciousness, his eyelids fluttering open like delicate butterfly wings. The dimly lit surroundings pierced through the haze of his awakening, revealing a sterile environment that felt both foreign and strangely familiar. His slender frame shifted against the cold, unyielding surface beneath him as he took in his surroundings, the scent of antiseptic mingling with a hint of musty underground air.

With a groggy yet determined resolve, River propped himself up on his elbows, his eyes scanning the room. The walls, painted in shades of cool gray, seemed to close in on him, as if eager to share their secrets. Fluorescent lights hummed overhead, casting an eerie glow that accentuated the shadowy corners. The space was sparsely furnished, with minimalistic designs and functional furniture, exuding a sense of pragmatism rather than comfort.

As his gaze swept across the room, River's attention was drawn to the other boys who lay still, their forms seemingly suspended in the realm of dreams. Questions swirled in his mind like a tempestuous whirlwind. How had he ended up here? What had brought him to this place, alongside these strangers? The details of his last memories were elusive, fragmented like shattered glass.

River's gaze drifted to his own attire, the oversized clothing that adorned his lanky frame. A faded band T-shirt clung loosely to his slender torso, the fabric worn and bearing the marks of countless adventures. His worn jeans hung loosely on his hips, bearing the scuffs and patches that told tales of long walks and untamed explorations. Completing his ensemble were a pair of well-worn Converse shoes, their familiar comfort grounding him amidst the surreal surroundings.

As he tentatively pushed himself to his feet, River's gaze fell upon a nearby mirror, revealing his reflection. Untamed waves of bleached hair cascaded down, with a dark re-growth marking the passing of time and a touch of neglect. His round, almost feminine face stared back at him, soft features framed by strands of rebellious hair. There were no signs of stubble or beard, only smooth skin that spoke of youth and innocence. His piercing green eyes sparkled with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, their depths reflecting a spirit untamed by the confines of the world.

With a flicker of uncertainty and a touch of vulnerability, River's reflection revealed a soul yearning for adventure, a heart eager to break free from the restraints of the ordinary. The mirror became a portal into his own introspection, a reminder that within his seemingly delicate frame lay a reservoir of resilience and determination.

His eyes lingered on the unconscious figures surrounding him, their presence both perplexing and oddly comforting. Who were these boys? How had they arrived here, just as he had? River's mind swirled with questions, yet the answers remained elusive, buried beneath the veil of forgotten memories.