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Forgotten - Friend, Foe or Fated?

章 1: Amnesia

As May slowly opened her eyes, all she could see was a white ceiling above her. The scent of antiseptic filled her nostrils.

She blinked, trying to clear the fog from her mind. A dull ache throbbed at her temples. Where was she? How did she get here?

May attempted to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forced her back onto the sheets. That's when she noticed the IV in her arm and the steady beep of a heart monitor nearby. A hospital. She was in a hospital.

"Oh dear, you're awake."

The sound of shuffling feet approached, and a face appeared in her field of vision. It was a woman with kind eyes and brown hair pulled back into a neat bun. She wore a white hospital coat—a nurse.

"You're in the hospital, dear," the woman said softly. "I'm Sharon. You've been in an accident."

May's brow furrowed as she struggled to remember. The harder she tried, the more her head hurt. Feeling as if her skull would split open, she gave up. Nothing. Not even the tiniest memory. It was as if everything had been wiped out.

Panicking, she gasped for breath.

"It's okay, relax. You're safe here," the nurse soothed her, gently holding her shoulders.

After a short struggle, May's tense muscles loosened, and she slumped back onto the bed.

"That's better," the nurse said, releasing her. "Would you like some water?"

"Yes, please." May's voice sounded hoarse, as if it hadn't been used for some time. She tried to swallow, but it only felt more uncomfortable.

Sharon disappeared from view for a moment, then returned with a small plastic cup. She gently lifted May's head, helping her take a few sips. The cool water was a relief to May's parched throat.

"Thank you," May whispered, her voice a little clearer now. She tried to focus, to piece together what had happened, but her mind remained frustratingly blank. "I... I can't remember anything. Who… who am I?"

"Your name is May Davies. You're twenty-six years old. That is unfortunately all I can tell you." Her voice softened. "I know it is hard, but try not to stress yourself. Its not uncommon with head injuries to suffer amnesia. Give it time, dear. Your memory may return gradually."

"C-Could I please have a mirror?" Maybe she might remember something, seeing herself.

"Of course, just one second." The nurse only needed to take a few steps when already returning, putting a small mirror into her hand.

Hesitantly, May lifted her hand until her own face finally stared back at her. Clear blue eyes were blinking in confusion as she mustered the unknown woman. The scratches and cuts on her cheeks couldn't hide her attractiveness. She had a tiny nose, clear skin, full but not pompous lips, and was overall well-proportioned.

She should have been happy about her appearance, but she was only filled with dread. She didn't feel as if she was looking at herself, rather a stranger.

Her gaze wandered upwards to the gauze-wrapping under which blonde short hair stuck out. She swallowed. "How bad was my head injury?" she asked, returning the mirror.

Sharon halted a second before answering. "You had a severe concussion and some internal bleeding. The doctors performed surgery to relieve the pressure on your brain. You've been in a coma for the past week."

Surgery?! Coma?! If it was that serious, May could probably consider herself lucky to have survived.

Her gaze wandered around the empty room. "Alone?" she couldn't help but ask.

Though she couldn't remember anything, surely there was someone close to her who worried about her well-being and stayed with her?

"Oh no, your family and friends have been taking turns waiting for you to wake up. They'll be delighted to see you awake. Wait a moment, I'll call the doctor so he can examine you now that you're conscious."

As she opened the door to leave the room, a young man stepped inside. His tired panda eyes and stubble beard were evidence of how he had spent the last couple of days.

But as soon as his eyes landed on May, they lit up. Like an eager puppy, he was ready to pounce on her, when he was held back by the nurse's iron grip. "Not so fast, young man. Come with me for a second." Leaving him no chance to resist, she pulled him out into the corridor, leaving the door slightly ajar.

May could see the nurse talking to him in a hushed voice, but she couldn't catch any words.

Only after the young man nodded demurely was he released by Sharon, who hurried on her way, no doubt searching for the doctor.

The door slid open again and the man stepped inside, this time more composed than before.

May watched as he approached her bedside, his steps hesitant yet eager. His eyes never left her face, filled with a mix of relief and concern. He pulled up a chair and sat down beside her, his hands fidgeting in his lap as if unsure whether to reach out and touch her.

"May," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so glad you're awake. We've all been so worried."

She studied his face, searching for any hint of recognition, any flicker of memory. His features were handsome—warm, comforting brown eyes reminiscent of a cuddly bear, a chiseled yet soft jawline dusted with stubble. His friendly smile revealed straight teeth and slightly dimpled cheeks. With dark blonde hair and a light tan, he exuded the carefree vibe of a surfer riding ocean waves. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't place him.

"You've had a horrible accident. No one knows exactly what happened," he continued. "You've been in a coma since then, and the doctors couldn't say when or even if you would wake up. I was so afraid that..." His voice trailed off as he tried to hold back the tears welling up in his eyes.

May shifted uncomfortably under his emotional gaze.

Noticing her reaction, he hurriedly sniffed and pulled himself together.

"But now all is good. Don't worry, everything will be alright. I'll be at your side."

May felt a warmth in her heart hearing his solemn words. She hesitated for a second but couldn't keep herself from asking, directing an inquisitive gaze at him. "I'm sorry, but who are you?"

"Me?" He showed her a wide smile, tears still glistening at the corners of his eyes.

"I am your lover."