The story of Larin the Builder
 in the aftermath of Awakening This short story is the epilogue of Awakening, the first book of the Chronicles of Mother's Gate series. This epilogue is a great follow-up to the novel, a bonus story that adds extra layers between books without being necessary to the main storyline.
Waking Up follows the story of Larin, who is alive but unconscious after her ordeal in the Nine Hells. She awakens in A'lara City a few days later and recuperates under the steadfast care of her repentant friend Jorn.
As she reacclimates to her waking state, Larin struggles with her gruesome memories of the Hells and her decision to conceal them from Jorn.

This story answers the question, Is Larin all right? with a resounding yes, and some storms on the horizon.
It also raises the question, What happened to her down there? and includes an excerpt from the sister story Falling Down, about Larin's ordeal in the Nine Hells.

Praise for Waking Up and Falling Down:

Loved it. The difference between the two stories is great!
The difference between Waking Up and Falling Down is astounding. So much light and love in the first story. You feel safe reading it. Healing.
The second, so much darkness, pain and despair. The choice of vocabulary is awesome and makes an impact.
And this set of short stories ties the two books together so well.
-- Dana V. of Texas ★★★★★