Chapter 2 - Breaking News

At the police station, the phone rang, piercing the quiet of the afternoon. Officer Morris picked up. "This is Sergeant Morris, how can I help you?"

The voice on the other end was frantic. "There's been a terrible accident. A car is completely burned out on the old highway, about 20 miles from the city. You need to send someone quickly."

"We're on our way," Morris replied, his tone serious as he hung up the phone. He quickly gathered a team, and they sped towards the remote location.

When the police arrived at the scene, they were met with a devastating sight. The car was a mangled heap of metal, charred and twisted beyond recognition. The body inside was unrecognizable, a horrifying testament to the intensity of the fire. It was clear that whoever had been inside had no chance of survival.

Morris's heart sank as he read the license plate. "The car is registered to Nicole Sandford," he said to his partner, his voice heavy with the gravity of the situation. "We need to notify her family."

Dominic Sandford was in a meeting at Henderson Industries when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the caller ID and saw it was an unknown number. Excusing himself, he stepped out to take the call.

“Hello, this is Dominic Sandford.”

“Mr. Sandford, this is Sergeant Morris with the police department. I’m afraid there’s been an accident. It involves your wife, Nicole. You need to come to the scene immediately.”

Dominic felt the blood drain from his face. “What happened? Is she okay?”

“Sir, it’s best if you come to the location. I’m very sorry.”

The drive to the accident scene felt like an eternity. Dominic’s mind raced with possibilities, each more horrifying than the last. When he arrived, he saw the flashing lights of police cars and fire trucks, the wreckage of Nicole’s car still smoldering.

He moved like a man in a daze, disbelief etched into every line of his body. The officers on duty looked at him with a mixture of pity and sorrow, understanding that this moment was shattering his world.

"No, it can't be," Dominic whispered, his voice cracking. He approached the wreckage, his legs feeling like lead. The reality of the situation hit him like a sledgehammer to the chest. He fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face, his sobs echoing through the stillness. "Nicole... my Nicole..."

He remembered her smile, bright and full of life, the way she laughed at his jokes, the way she looked at him with those sparkling eyes. Their wedding anniversary was just around the corner, and he had planned a surprise getaway to their favorite spot by the lake. They had so many plans, so many dreams that now lay in ruins alongside the twisted metal.

In his mind's eye, he saw her twirling in her wedding dress, their first dance, her face glowing with happiness. How could she be gone? The weight of his sorrow was unbearable, and he clutched at the earth, wishing he could turn back time.

The news of Nicole’s death spread quickly. Henderson Industries was plunged into mourning. Nicole had started the company under her maiden name, Henderson, and turned it into the most successful business in the state. She was known for her incredible leadership, and now Dominic had to step up and fill her shoes.

The funeral was a somber affair. Everyone who knew Nicole showed up. Her parents, Michael and Linda Henderson, her sister, Emily, and friends from all over came to pay their respects. The media was there too, respectfully keeping their distance but capturing the scene. The church was packed, and the air was thick with grief.

Nicole’s mom, Linda, was inconsolable, holding onto Michael for support. Michael, usually a strong man, looked defeated. Emily couldn’t stop crying. It was clear that Nicole was loved deeply by everyone who knew her. The service was full of heartfelt speeches, people sharing memories of Nicole’s kindness and leadership. Dominic stood by her casket, feeling utterly lost without her.

As he listened to the eulogies, Dominic's mind wandered to happier times. He remembered their first date, how nervous he had been, and how she had put him at ease with her warmth and wit. He remembered the day she launched Henderson Industries, the pride in her eyes, the celebration they had that night. Every memory was a stab to his heart, a reminder of what he had lost.

After the service, there was a procession to the cemetery. The city had come to a standstill, streets lined with people paying their respects. Dominic walked behind the hearse, flanked by family and close friends. The weight of Nicole’s absence was crushing, and every step felt heavier than the last.

At the gravesite, a hush fell over the crowd. The pastor said a few final words, and one by one, people came forward to place flowers on the casket. Dominic felt numb, the world around him blurring as he stared at the coffin. He placed a single white rose on top, a symbol of his love and loss.

Nicole’s family gathered around, holding each other for support. Linda clung to Emily, both of them sobbing quietly. Dominic stood a little apart, not wanting to intrude on their grief. He watched as the casket was lowered into the ground, feeling a piece of himself being buried with her.

After the burial, people slowly drifted away, offering condolences and words of comfort. Dominic stayed behind, staring at the fresh mound of earth. It was hard to believe that Nicole was really gone. He knelt down, running his fingers through the soil, whispering a silent goodbye.

The days following the funeral were a blur. Dominic found himself alone in their house, surrounded by Nicole’s things. He avoided their bedroom, choosing to sleep on the couch instead. The emptiness was overwhelming, but he knew he had to keep going.

Friends and family stopped by to check on him, bringing food and offering support. Dominic appreciated their kindness, but nothing could fill the void Nicole had left. He spent hours looking through old photo albums, clinging to the memories of their life together.

Returning to work was daunting. The office felt like a different world, quiet and somber without Nicole’s presence. Her desk was still full of her things—a framed photo, her coffee mug, and neat stacks of papers. It was a tough reminder that she wasn’t there anymore.

Dominic’s first day back was rough. He was buried in paperwork and reports, trying to catch up on everything Nicole had been handling. Meetings were hard; he had to keep his emotions in check while making big decisions. The pressure of running Henderson Industries without Nicole was intense.

He threw himself into his work, staying late and trying to get a handle on things.

---

At the cabin.

Weeks after the accident, Nicole was slowly getting used to life in the cabin.

Brenda, the kind woman who had taken her in, was taking good care of her, helping her heal. Nicole's deep cut and burns were almost healed, thanks to Brenda's attentive care.

One morning, Brenda sat by Nicole's bedside and said, "From now on, you are Jessica."

Nicole, feeling a sense of relief at having a name to go by, agreed with a nod.

Brenda used to be a nurse, and her skills were evident in the way she cared for Jessica. The cabin was simple—no modern tech, just the basics. It was a peaceful place, but Jessica felt a constant nagging guilt for not being able to remember anything about her past.

Brenda was kind and genuine. She had this way of making Jessica feel comfy and safe, even though Jessica couldn’t remember anything. Brenda’s gentle nature and patience made it easy for Jessica to trust her. There was something about Brenda that just felt right.

Jessica found herself drawn to the cabin’s small library. The shelves were filled with old, dusty books, and Jessica spent hours flipping through them, trying to find anything that might spark a memory. One day, she pulled out a book with a beautiful, ornate cover. As she opened it, a piece of paper fell out. It was a pressed flower, delicate and fragile.

“What’s this?” Jessica asked, showing it to Brenda.

Brenda smiled softly. “I pressed that flower years ago. It’s from my garden.”

Jessica marveled at its beauty. “It’s amazing how something so delicate can last so long.”

“Just like you,” Brenda said gently. “You’re stronger than you think.”

Jessica spent more time in the garden, tending to the flowers and herbs Brenda had planted. She found solace in the routine, the feel of the soil between her fingers, and the simple act of nurturing life.

One afternoon, as she was weeding a flowerbed, she noticed a butterfly land on a nearby blossom. She watched it for a while, mesmerized by its delicate beauty.

Brenda joined her, carrying a tray with lemonade. “Nature has a way of healing us, doesn’t it?”

Jessica nodded. “It really does. It’s peaceful out here.”

They sat together in comfortable silence, sipping their drinks and enjoying the tranquility of the garden.

One day, while exploring the attic, Jessica found an old photo album. She brought it down to the living room and opened it with Brenda. The photos were black and white, capturing moments from Brenda’s past.

“Who are these people?” Jessica asked, pointing to a picture of a young woman and a man standing by a car.

“That’s me and my late husband,” Brenda replied, a hint of sadness in her voice. “We had some good times together.”

Jessica felt a pang of empathy. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Brenda patted her hand. “Thank you, dear. It was a long time ago, but the memories are still with me.”

As the days passed, Jessica started keeping a journal. Brenda had given her a blank notebook, and Jessica filled it with sketches, thoughts, and observations about her new life. Writing became a way for her to process her feelings and make sense of her situation.

One rainy afternoon, Jessica sat by the window, watching the raindrops race down the glass. She opened her journal and began to write:

“I don’t remember my past, but I’m starting to find peace in the present. Brenda has been so kind and patient with me. This cabin, though simple, feels like home. I still have moments of frustration and sadness, but I’m learning to take things one day at a time.”

She paused, looking out at the rain-soaked garden, then continued writing:

“Today, I saw a butterfly in the garden. It reminded me of how fragile life is, but also how beautiful. Maybe, like the butterfly, I can transform and find my way.”

Brenda entered the room, carrying a plate of freshly baked cookies. “Writing again?”

Jessica smiled. “Yes, it helps me clear my mind.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Brenda said, setting the plate down. “I made your favorite—chocolate chip.”

Jessica took a cookie and savored the taste. “Thank you, Brenda. For everything.”

“You’re welcome, dear. We’re in this together.”

In the evenings, they often sat by the fire, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company. One night, Brenda brought out an old board game. “Fancy a game of checkers?”

Jessica hesitated for a moment, then smiled. “Sure, let’s play.”

They played for hours, laughing and chatting. Jessica felt a sense of normalcy that she hadn’t felt in a long time.

As the fire crackled and the game continued, Jessica looked at Brenda and said, “Do you think I’ll ever remember anything?”

Brenda met her gaze. “Maybe you will, maybe you won’t. But what’s important is that you’re here now, and you’re healing.”

Jessica nodded, feeling a sense of acceptance. “I guess you’re right. Thank you for being here for me.”

Brenda smiled warmly. “Always, Jessica. Always.”