Chapter 4 - Being released brings no real relief.

Isabella

It is infuriating. I could remember normal everyday things. I could remember how to eat, for instance, but I couldn’t remember something as simple as my own name. I don’t know who I am. If I have family that are worried about me, or even how old I am.

The more doctor Lisa tells me not to try and force it, the more I try to remember. I can’t help it. It was so frustrating to be taken care of by these strangers and not know who I am. Seeing my reflection in the mirror is the worst. My face doesn’t look like mine. Each time I catch a glimpse of my reflection anywhere, a shiver runs up and down my spine.

I stay in the hospital for about a week and all the while Lisa’s son hangs around outside my bedroom. I can swear I sometimes see him watching me, but that is just too weird to even think about. Not that he gives me weird vibes or anything. In fact, having him outside my door kind of makes me feel safe.

That is another thing that bothers me. I have this incredible feeling that I’m in some kind of danger. Not because of the damage that has been done to my body. It is a fear I cannot explain. Something deep inside of me. Something that tells me I need to run.

“Well, Jane. I think we have done about all we can do for you.” Lisa smiles as she walks into my room, calling me by the name that they have all started to call me. It’s a little unnerving to know that it is because someone who can’t be identified is called Jane Dow. Sadly, since I can’t remember my name, I have to accept it.

Fear pushes up from deep inside of me as I suddenly realize I have no home to go to. I start fidgeting and can’t look Lisa in the eye while she makes a couple of notes on her clipboard. A young nurse walks in carrying some clothes and they both smile at me.

“Now before you get all panicked, my son has agreed to let you stay with him until you regain your memory.” Lisa smiles, but I note a tinge of worry in her eyes as she quickly looks in his direction, then back at me. When she smiles at me, it lights up her eyes and I breathe a sigh of relief. “You will be safe with him, Jane. He will take care of you.”

They remove the drip from my arm and start taking away the wires that were measuring everything before the nurse helps me to get up. She loosens the hospital gown and helps me to get dressed while Lisa explains a little more about their small village. I find it strange to hear about their little community and some of what she tells me doesn’t entirely make sense, but I’m a little overwhelmed, so I don’t ask any questions. As soon as I’m dressed, Asher joins us.

“Ready to go?” He smiles, holding onto the chair and I nod giving Lisa a quick look. She smiles reassuringly and I get into the chair.

“I will come and check in with you tomorrow.” Lisa squeezes my shoulder, before Asher pushes me out of their hospital. On the way out, I notice how short the passage is, and I’m reminded that Lisa told me it was just their local hospital.

I’m even more surprised when we exit the hospital and I see what everything looks like outside. From my window I could only see the forest the entire time I have been there. On the other side of it all, there is a beautiful square with a fountain in the middle.

The grass is green, and the walkways are pristine. There are benches under trees and the strong scent of roses fills the air. All around us, people stop to look as Asher pushes me across the street and then across the square, but they quickly lose interest and carry on with whatever they were doing.

“Our village is like a family. Everyone you see will help you if you need it. They will be there to keep you safe.” Asher finally speaks to me as we reach one of the many log cabins that are built around the beautiful square. He smiles and stands in front of me, and I just look up at him.

It’s a strange thing to say, but I don’t question him. It is weird to be outside. I’m enjoying the sun on my skin. It’s almost as though I hadn’t felt it in a very long time. I’m enjoying being outside, but I don’t want to ask him if we could stay a little longer.

Asher looks like he might be a busy man. From the little I’ve been able to figure out, he is like the mayor of the town. As it was, he already spent so much time waiting outside my room. He picks me up out of the chair and smiles.

“I’m sorry, but I haven’t built a ramp for your wheelchair yet.” Carrying me up the stairs, he smiles before opening his front door. As he steps inside, a strange feeling overwhelms me a little. It is almost as though this is home. My mind starts to run in circles.

“I will bring the chair inside, and I will get started on the ramp as soon as possible.” He puts me down on a chair in the foyer, and before I can say anything, he rushes outside. When he returns, he is pushing the chair and I can’t help but breathe a little sigh of relief. I would have hated for him to carry me everywhere.

“You will be able to move around the house with your chair until you feel better.” He is about to pick me up again, when I stand. Unfortunately, dizziness hits and I fall right into his arms. Something flashes in the back of my mind. Is it a memory? It disappears so quickly that I can’t remember much of it.

“Careful.” His voice is soothing as he helps me to sit down. “You have been through a lot. It is going to take some time for you to get better.” I nod feeling like such an idiot. Asher shows me around the house, and finally shows me my bedroom.

“My room is upstairs if you need me, but my mother has suggested you don’t take the stairs yet.” He smiles and I frown.

“How am I supposed to do that if you are upstairs?” I frown and notice something weird flashing in his eyes, but he doesn’t say anything and just smiles.

“Just shout. I will hear you.”