Jack flinched at the sudden noise. The dark seemed to magnify the sounds around him. The darkness invaded his senses, made him groggy.

*BUMP*

He shook his head, trying to clear his head as the sound reverberated through him.

*BUMP* *BUMP*

Maybe it was the grogginess, but the sounds seemed to be moving away. His breath came in gasps. A low moan filled the space around him.

*Bump* *Bump*

Panic started to flower in his sub-conscious. Where was he? With some reluctance his arms explored the space before of him. Was that a door in front of him? No. Not a door, a roof. He was on his back. He took a deep breath. Concentrate. Think.

*Bump*

Where was he?

*bump* *bump* *bump*

He vaguely remembered the bar, driving home, a flash and a bang. He shook his head. Damn this hangover. Was he at home? Had he slept under the porch again?

*bump*

He’d better get up and see what was making that damned noise.

*bump* *bump* *bump*

He tried moving. His uncoordinated limbs made an attempt at sliding but only served to turn him on his side. Another deep breath. The air seared through his lungs. Another moan. Whatever had happened last night, he definitely had a broken rib, or two.

*bump bump*

He tried moving again, but his arms and legs seemed to have a mind of their own. He wasn’t going anywhere in this condition.

*bump bump bump*

The noise that had woken him was receding. Whatever his predicament, he’d need help to get out of here. Another breath. Another stab of pain in his chest. Mustering all his will-power he tried to call Mary.

His vocal cords couldn’t comply.

All he could manage was “BRAINS”.