The Forgotten Ones

Fork in the Road

Song: The Other by Lauv

Willa

A couple of weeks had already passed by and I was stuck in a slump. I didn't know what my next steps were in figuring out my memories. My parents were loosening their ropes on me since Alexander hasn't been around. Oddly enough, I would find myself missing him from time to time. I would see him on the news, watching him and listening to him while people interviewed him or covered a story on him. 

From what I have been seeing on the news, it seemed like his business was doing better than ever since he started working on newer, different projects. People said that he was traveling all around the country, meeting people and getting to them. It made my heartache. But, I didn't know why. It was nice to see that he was doing something good for the society though. Although I never grew up struggling and fighting to pave my way through the world, I knew that others were and it has always been my dream to help people which is why I always wanted to be a teacher. 

Because I have had so much free time on my hand, I would go out on countless walks and also start new hobbies. It bored me so much but I have nothing better to do. I have also been making a couple of doctor visits as well as they try to update me further on my head injuries. The doctors still say the same thing because everything is still the same. I can't remember anything and they still don't know how long it will take for me to remember everything, as well as saying it is not safe for me to be out in the world yet on my own. They say that because my memories are gone, it could be dangerous for someone like me to be out in society on my own in fear of getting lost or probably forgetting where I am since they don't know how sensitive my brain is. They want to keep me in a strict routine which requires me to be at home in a familiar place so that my brain isn't overstimulated. I did also tell them about my headaches but it seems like a normal thing since I did get into an accident. They haven't occurred though in a while so I haven't been worried about it too much. 

It was only 2 pm today and I spend the morning getting ready, eating breakfast with my parents, and reading for a bit. My body was already growing tired from being inside. I decided that I would go on another walk. With every walk, I walk further and further away from home, slowly remembering my childhood memories of being in town and eating out with my parents. None of these are memories I want to remember since they aren't relevant to the memories I lost, but still, I enjoy them. This time, I decided that I would stop at the bookstore in town, wanting to add more to my collection. 

It was a hot day and bright so I decided to dress light, wearing denim shorts, a white blouse with floral embroidery, and my black converse. As always, my parents told me to be careful, making me feel like a teen going out for the first time. It only took me about thirty minutes to make it into town, the road now familiar to me at this point. As usual, I grabbed an iced coffee at a coffee shop, adding caramel and whip cream as always. The bookstore was only a few blocks from the coffee shop. For a Thursday evening, it was quite busy. There were parents scrabbling to catch their kids who were running around, and couples also walking hand in hand. I saw older folks even out and about, looking at every shop they passed by. It really was a nice day. 

Ever since I have been back home, I have only been at the bookstore only a handful of times. But from what I remember, I know that my mom would take me to the bookstore all the time only because I begged her to take me. As a little girl, I wanted to read about princesses and the great knight in shining armor. I remember dreaming of finding someone that would sweep me off my feet and bring me a life of happiness. Of course, once I started to grow up, I realized how naive and silly that was to find someone like that. I wish I was still that little girl though so I could keep dreaming. 

The bookstore, The Bent Spine, is an old store. It's owned by an old woman but staffed by young people. Once stepping in, the store is filled with books from floor to ceiling. The shelves are about 80% organized and 20% a mess. And they have lounging areas for you to sit and read at. And the smell is just amazing.