Chapter 2
I stared at the bouquet resting on my hospital table. White lilies, blush roses, and a few wild daisies. A card was tucked between the petals, unsigned. Alice practically bounced into the room, her grin stretching ear to ear. “Reese! Look! My brother sent you flowers!” I blinked. “Your brother?” “Dylan,” she clarified, like I was supposed to know. “He came earlier, but you were asleep. He left those before heading out.” I glanced at the flowers again. They were beautiful, soft and delicate, like something chosen carefully. “That’s… nice,” I murmured. Alice beamed, grabbing the vase and holding it out like it was a trophy. “You used to wish for this, you know? Just a flower from him. You even said you’d cry if he ever looked your way.” I managed a weak smile. “It’s hard to feel happy when I can’t even remember the feelings I once had.” Her face dimmed slightly, her voice gentle. “Which is why we’re going to start with the doctor’s treatment. It’ll help you remember. We can go tomorrow—” “No.” My voice was firm. “There’s no need for that. I don’t want to remember your brother. Whatever memory I lost—my mind must’ve known it wasn’t a good one.” Alice blinked in surprise. “You’re… really sure about this?” I nodded, more certain than ever. “Yes. Some things are better left forgotten. If my brain’s doing me a favor, I won’t undo it.” I was finally discharged after days. I stood in the doorway of my apartment, the key still shaking in my hand. It felt strange—familiar and unfamiliar all at once. Like stepping into someone else’s life. Dust clung to corners. Everything was as I left it, but nothing felt like mine. Until I walked into my room. Photos. Letters. Drawings. All of Dylan. Some of them pinned on my board. Others tucked in my drawer like secrets I once cherished. There were notes in my handwriting— “He smiled today.” “Maybe if I tried harder, he’d see me.” “One day, he’ll love me back.” I sat down on the bed, one letter in my hand, heart aching despite the emptiness in my memory. How could I have loved someone this deeply? So blindly? Even now, with no memories to pull from, my chest throbbed with unspoken pain. But then I remembered his voice outside my hospital door. “God, I hate her.” “She won’t remember we were the reason she fell.” And with that, the decision was easy. I gathered every photo, every note, and lit a match. Flames crackled, slow at first. The corner of a photo curled, turned black, then vanished. And I watched everything I used to be reduced to ash. But not all. Some of the trinkets—things I had prepared to give him, little gifts and letters—I packed in a box and left it at the courier’s desk. A few days later, I stopped by a café near the hospital. It was quiet, just how I liked it. The barista knew me. It made things easier. I was stirring my coffee when I felt someone watching. I looked up. Dylan. He was taller than I expected. Sharp jaw, hands tucked in his pockets like he had something better to do. “You sent me something?” he asked bluntly, stepping to my table. I nodded slowly. “I found them in my apartment. I figured they were meant for you.” His brow twitched. “Isn’t it clear by now that I only see you as my sister’s friend? You should stop with this obsession. Isn’t it enough that you fell off a cliff from stalking me?” I flinched, then took a steady breath. “I’m sorry. I lost my memory. I didn’t know. I just… thought those things were important.” His expression shifted. He paused, pretending not to know. “Wait… you really lost your memories?” “Yes,” I said quietly. “So maybe you can help me out. What happened that day? Were you there on the mountain?” He looked away for a moment, then back. “You followed me and Katerina. I told you—repeatedly—to stop. You wouldn’t listen. Then you got mad and said you’d kill yourself if I didn’t choose you. And then… you jumped.” I stared at him, a laugh almost escaping me. It was absurd. “Really? I said that?” “Yes,” he said, almost too quickly. “So I’m telling you now—stop. Don’t do that again. You don’t need to be that girl. I don’t deserve it.” I held his gaze. “Thank you for telling me. But don’t worry. I would never do that again.” I stood up and gathered my bag. “For you? Yeah… you’re not worth it. I won’t stalk you again.” He blinked. “Are you sure?” “Yes,” I replied without hesitation. “Well… in that case,” he said, “maybe we can stay acquaintances. Or friends, I guess. I mean, you’re Alice’s best friend. We’ll probably still see each other. As long as you… behave.” I smiled politely, the kind you give strangers. “Of course.”