A Second Wave-The Surge

Chapter 8-Shelby

Chapter 8

I wake up again with that same smell. Frank's apartment is not dirty but it just has a unique smell. As I lift up and swing my legs over so that I am sitting up right on the couch. I feel much stronger than I did the other day. Frank has a juice on the table next to the couch and I pick it up and drink half of the glass through the straw.

The television is on and the protest are being televised. I still can't believe what is happening in our world right now. If the pandemic was not enough to deal with. The protests are going on all over the world. People are mad and they should be. Who gives them the right to treat anyone like that. I don't care if you are an authority figure or not. We all bleed the same.

"Looking better." Frank says walking in with a plate with some grapes and a sandwich of some kind. "We don't have an extravagant budget."

"it looks great." I say being hungrier than I ever have before.

"The sandwich is soft. You may have some pain chewing so you need to take it slow." He hands me the plate. I nod as I take the plate with my hand and rest it on my lap. Frank takes a seat in the oversized chair next to the couch. A little dust floats up in the air as he sits. I am sure Frank doesn't have a house keeper as I pick up the sandwich to take a bite. It is egg salad which is soft but Frank was right about the pain. It isn't real sharp but definitely uncomfortable. I chew slowly which helps and swallow. The idea of food is so appealing which makes me know as a physician that I am healing. I also know not to overdue is in the area of chewing and causing more damage to my healing face. I bring my hand up lightly to the bandage and sigh.

"It will get better." Frank looks over to me.

"I know. I feel very vein thinking about my appearance and I should be thankful I am alive. I mean look at the people losing their lives." Pointing at the television. Not sure what else I want to say on the matter, I take another small bite of the sandwich.

"You are not. It is normal reaction to feel that way. You have had a huge trauma in your life and we still have not established if there is any neurological damage." He looks at me waiting for me to respond. I know I have had gaps in my memory. I remember my life, my profession, my family and friends, but there is something I am missing. There is also the dreams and flashes about Simon, which I don't understand."

"What is it Shelby? What is bothering you?" He asks when I don't answer quick enough but his voice is gentle.

"It is weird. I think I remember everything but there are these small gaps and my dreams. I remember my family, friends, my company, my work, the pandemic, but then there are small gaps like when you know you need to do something but can't remember what it is." I grab my glass to take a sip of my juice to help wash away the sandwich frustrated with this feeling.

"I am not a neurologist, which I think you should see. What I can tell you is many soldiers I helped while I was in active duty had some of the same symptoms. It is like a part of their brain shut off holding some secret memories. They would remember what happened but couldn't remember something about their fellow shoulder that they were in the bunker with." He finishes looking at me as I process what he is saying.

I force myself to think about the accident and what I was doing just before then. I remember having a conversation with Simon but can't remember what the conversation is about and then a blue box pops in my head.

"Blue Box." I blurt out loud not realizing I did.

"Blue Box?' Frank questions. "What about a blue box?" He looks at me differently, almost with some worried eyes or some information.

"I remember before the accident I was in the park with Simon. He is one of my colleagues I work with. In fact he has done such an amazing job and has been with me all around the world working on this Covid shit." I pause for a minute worried that I just swore in front of Frank. It is not like me to use those words.

"Covid shit." Frank says laughing. He must notice my embarrassment. I think to myself that is nothing compared to what Frank has said, seen or heard. I give him a small smile as if to thank him for releasing me from my embarrassment. My smile fades as I try to concentrate more and then an image appears.

"What is it?' Noticing my solemn look.

"The blue box, it has some meaning. I don't know what though. It keeps popping in my head like a flash and then just disappears. It is as if my brain telling me to remember something." I sigh in frustration as the thought wont come. I bring my hand to my chain that has two intertwined charms and slide it between my thumb and index finger. I look at the charm and that same feeling comes over me about the blue box.

"What." I say as I look up at Frank that has another look on his face. He is a man of few words, but he doesn't hide his expressions well. He holds up a finger for me to wait a second and stands up and goes to his dining room table. He returns with something in his hand but I can't see if as he has it behind his box.

"I am not sure if we should do this as sometimes objects helps bring back the memories but it also can have a negative effect. Some say that the brain will remember when it is time for you to remember and able to handle it.

Frank pull out a leather bag. I instantly recognize it. It is my work bag. Seeing something familiar brings a warmth inside me and a slight smile comes over my face. My smile would probably be bigger but it actually hurts to smile. He places it next to me on the couch.

"I didn't go through it much, just to get your name. There is a laptop, papers, clothes and some personal items including your wallet. Check it so you know everything is there."

"I am not worried that something is missing. I may not know you very well Frank but the time we have spent together and everything that you have done for me." Not able to finish the sentence as Frank waves me off about the sentimental stuff. I open the bag and I see what he said is in there. "I had this bag packed ready to go to Brazil. That is where I was going before the accident. To the airport to go to Brazil."

"Are you sure? Not much in there for a trip to Brazil"

"Yes, my work computer and a few essentials was all I needed. I have an apartment in Brazil when I travel there."

"Oh, that makes sense." He says without any expression. I dig through my bag and find my airline ticket and start thinking about work. I need to get to Brazil.

"I think I am ready to go home.' I look up at Frank.

"Are you sure." He looks at me not so much with concern but I think he liked having the company.

"Yes, I am sure. I need to get back to my life or at least what I remember of it." I pause and stand up and walk towards Frank. "Frank, I can't thank you enough for everything you have done. You saved my life." I reach around him and hug him. His hands hesitate to hug me back but then he taps my back. He doesn't seem like the affectionate type. I step back looking up at him. "I don't have my phone but I want your phone number so as so as I get a phone I want us to keep in touch. You know if there is anything you ever need I want to help."

"I don't need anything. I do want your friendship. It was nice having someone here, even for the brief time." He says and goes to the table to get a piece of paper and writes his number on the paper. After folding it up he hands it to me and I put it is my work bag."

Thank you again." Giving him one more hug before I head for the door. Just as I turn the knob.

"Shelby, be careful. Once you get your phone let me know you are safe. Brazil has areas that are not the friendliest of places. I don't want anything happening to you."

"I will, I promise." I say and walk out the door. I make it to the street and realize I have Frank's number but not his address. I grab the paper he wrote on to write down his address. When I open the paper I gasp when I read it. Stay safe Shelby. I am always here for you if you need anything. I have been trained to kill.