Broken

Prologue

So, what did you have for breakfast this morning?

Sam thought for a moment, trying to hide his concern as he raked his memory. Why couldn't he remember what he ate? He would not admit this to his doctor, that would be far too embarrassing, and, really, he didn't want to have to go through trying a new medication again. 

I had eggs and some yogurt.

Good, good. What did you have for lunch?

Sam thought again, growing more concerned. He'd eaten lunch less than an hour ago, but he couldn't remember what it was. He remembered something vaguely ...salty. Or was it sweet? 

I had some apple slices and a sandwich.

He hoped she couldn't see through his lies.

Good. I need you to think hard about this next one, okay? Have you had any issues remembering anything recently?

Sam thought for a moment, but he already knew the answer. Yes, he had been having trouble remembering things. He'd leave his house and have to come back for his wallet, he'd struggle for hours to remember a password he'd just reset, he'd lose track of a conversation and find himself looping back, annoying his friends.

No, no memory loss.

He couldn't quite tell why he was lying. He thought it was because he was embarrassed, he thought it was because he was sick of trying new medications that made him vomit or have serious headaches or want to do nothing but cry, but in truth he didn't really know why he was lying. It was just happening, naturally, and he found he didn't quite care to tell the truth, not after so much lying.

Good. Memory loss is one of the more severe side effects of the medication. And since you said you haven't been experiencing any other effects, I think we'll keep you going. Unless, of course, you don't think it's helping you?

No, no, it's helping. Really. I feel much better.

Good. I'll go and call the pharmacy right now then, and we'll get you a refill.

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