Bri

Chapter 31: Sadness

I was happy when I found out Dr. Summers was preparing Mia's discharge paperwork. She can finally come home with me! I was nervous about the extent of Mia's amnesia and hoped that whatever I told her wouldn't upset her too much. The last thing I ever want to do is make her stressed or end up in a state of panic, and the best thing I can do is be prepared.

As my mom and dad helped Mia to our car, I decided to stay behind for a little bit. I really wanted to speak to Mia's doctor alone. My goal was to ask additional questions, which would help me be more aware of her current condition. I needed to be ready for whatever could happen after everything she had gone through. Furthermore, I wanted to be knowledgeable of any additional tools I could utilize to support my love through this upsetting time. I will do anything and everything in my power to help her remember.

It took about ten minutes until I arrived at the car and joined my family as they were saying their goodbyes to Mia. I hugged both of my parents and told them I would give them a call after we arrived home. I entered the vehicle, buckled myself in, synced my Bluetooth to the car, and put on my favorite Hans Zimmer mix. It included a plethora of ambient and classical music. I didn't think Mia would want to blast music and sing together like we usually do, but... I figured this was calming enough to have in the background during the drive, nonetheless.

"I really wish I didn't have to go back home after such an accident. It's never been a place I felt comfortable to sleep in, especially with how things have been lately," Mia said in a soft voice, making me question what she meant by that... Maybe I should ask and see if she elaborates a bit more...

"What do you mean, Mia?" I asked, genuinely curious, wanting her to explain more and see where her mind was at.

"Oh, just my adoptive parents... living with them... you know how much I hate it there. I am not looking forward to explaining my accident, let alone dealing with them in general... Bri, is there any way I could stay with you and your parents for a few days? Maybe Clara could call them and let them know what's going on...?" She then asked me, and I could feel the anxiety rising at her words. Does she still think she lives with them? My god... how far back has this amnesia reached...? I have to ask... I need to know...

"Mia, I want to ask you a question, but at the same time, I don't want to overwhelm you... mainly since you just got out of the hospital, ya' know?" I carefully said to her.

"It's okay, Bri. You can ask whatever you want; if things become difficult or if my head starts to hurt or anything, I will let you know. I promise." Mia replied to me, and I nodded.

"You better, or you'll leave me no choice to hold you down and tickle you into submission, butthead," I countered, and she shook her head, giggling, which made me smile. I'm happy that I can bring a smile to her face, even after her accident. On some level, doing that has given me a sliver of hope that things can return to normal.

"What did you want to ask?" Mia questioned, and I took a deep breath before speaking to her again. Well, here goes nothing...

"What's the last thing you remember before waking up in the hospital?" I asked, glancing at her while she sat in silence. I patiently waited for her to respond.

"Well, our senior year starts in about a week, and two weeks from now begins the lacrosse season for you. Other than that, we had our usual weekend plans where I went over to your place, and we watched movies and played games together," Mia answered, and immediately, my heart sank to the pit of my stomach.

Fuck... She doesn't remember the last eight years?! How am I not supposed to stress her out or keep myself calm at the same time while attempting to help her...? I wasn't expecting it to be this bad... I have to contact my parents and Ali, as well as Brittany and Sara... Shit... her job too! They all need to know what's going on... Fuck... How am I going to do this? How can I manage day-to-day tasks without the comfort of my partner? What does this mean for our relationship and our engagement...? This is already a lot to handle because of how much I miss her, and I know it isn't about me. I just can't help it. I love her so much...