Just as the washcloth began to cool, Elias felt a subtle shift. It wasn't a dramatic pop, but a slow, creeping sensation of space opening up. He felt a tiny bubble of air travel from the back of his throat, pushing past a blockage he hadn't realized was there.
The world snapped back into high definition. The rain on the window sounded louder. The hum of the refrigerator was crisp. warm compress for ear congestion