It took some time for Alex to feel anything again. The pain was so deep, slashing every single centimeter of his soul and body, that after some time, he just stopped feeling altogether.
He lost even the strength to close his eyes. He lay there, looking at the ceiling, which seemed like an eternity. The young elf could feel sweat dripping from his forehead; some drops even fell into his eyes, but that didn't bother Alex. Above him, the roof of the carriage reigned supreme.
There was nothing else in the world until he started to feel his body being enveloped again. The silicon that had gotten under his body was slowly reforming, but this time it didn't stop time inside, nor Alex's breathing.
Instead, he felt a warm touch, as if being embraced by a long-lost parent. A tear threatened to escape Alex's eyes, but he held back his emotions. He still needed to cling to life.