The light brought her acutely to her senses.

Before she opened her eyes she seemed to be keenly and painfully aware of much that had gone on during her sleep.

With another flash her eyes flew open.

Not because she willed it, but rather as if the springs that held the lids shut had unexpectedly been touched and they sprang back because they had to.
She shrank, as her eyes opened, from a new day, and the memory of the old one.

Then before her she saw something which kept her motionless, and almost froze the blood in her veins.