The Heart Knows

Chapter 22: Re-Introduction

The next morning, Ohm decides to go to the police station for a briefing with the detectives. They still haven't apprehended anyone yet, but there's a little progress. They'd be following up on a tip off. They have officers on the field monitoring one of the suspected assailants' movements. It isn't much to go by, but it is progress. Ohm is grateful that the police are at least trying.

Ohm eventually reaches the hospital and heads straight to Fluke's room. Fluke's parents and Earth are already there and everyone seems to be a a great mood. He quickly runs to Fluke seeing that he is up. He immediately gives him a tight hug. "Oh, baby, you came back. You came back to me. I love you so much. I miss you", he says with tears running down his face. He cups Fluke's face and is about to gives little kisses all over his face. As he's about to kiss Fluke on the mouth, Fluke moves back, avoiding the kiss. "Baby?" Ohm asks and tries to hug Fluke again but Fluke again flinches back.

Just then, the doctor comes in and chats a little with Fluke and his parents. Earth looks as his brother who seems a little lost. He walks to him and gives his a slight back rub, trying to comfort him. Ohm looks at Earth with confusion written all over his face. Earth asks Ohm if they could go outside for a bit as there's something he needs to tell him. All Ohm does is nods. Earth then tells Fluke that he's just going outside. He takes his brother's hand and leads him outside. They find a bench in the garden...

"Amnesia?" Ohm asks, dejected. Fluke has retrograde amnesia. He does not remember anything from the last year.
"The doctor says it's temporary, but he can't tell how long it will take to gain his memory back.
" He doesn't remember me?" this realisation shutters Ohm's heart into pieces. He just got the love of his life back, but he does not remember him. He puts his hands over his face and lets a muffled cry. "He does not remember me Nong. He doesn't remember our love. What do I do? I want my Flukie back Nong" He says in between sobs.
"Phi, the doctor said we need to let Fluke know about his life in the past year as it might help trigger some memories, but we must not force him to remember as it may be detrimental.  Subtle gestures, taking him to the places he enjoyed going and doing things he loved doing before the incident will help him.

"I can do all of these things Nong, I will do anything to have my love back" Ohm says wiping his tears away.
"Well that's good, Phi, but you need to be careful. You can do all the things I just said, but don't try and explain it to Fluke in an effort to make him remember. Let him gradually remember on his own.

" I understand, Nong. Right now I just want to see him. I know he doesn't remember me, but I just want to be close to him. Can I do that at least? Ohm asks, trying to hold his tears back.
"We have already explained everything to Fluke with the doctors. He knows most of what has happened in the past year based on what we told him, but there are things that we haven't told him because it would be too much information for him to process", Earth explains. "We have told him about the two of you and the engagement and your living arrangements as well as the café " He continues.

Ohm sighed, after hearing this. "Does this mean, I can take him to our house? He asks with renewed hope.
"Yes, the doctors recommended that, but you must only do what's comfortable for Fluke, Phi"

Ohm is dejected, but he's grateful that Fluke woke up and he can take him home. Even though they'd be living as mere housemates, Ohm is grateful that he at least will be close to him.

Earth and Ohm decide to go back to Fluke's room. Fluke parents are taking the rest of the day to rest. They'd been at the hospital all morning. They'll come back the next day when Fluke is discharged.
Fluke, who is now sitting up in his bed and watches as the two brothers walk in. "My Flukie! " Earth exclaims as he gives his best friend a hug. "You have no idea how much I miss you" Earth says, not letting go of Fluke.

They eventually let go of each other, and Fluke looks to where Ohm is standing. This whole time he standing there sadly watching. He wishes he was the one embracing Fluke, giving him kisses, but he can't right now. Right now he feels like a stranger and this thought hurts him more than anything. He is trying really hard to stop himself from crying.

Earth also looks at Ohm and then at Fluke.
"Flukie, this is P'Ohm, my brother, your fiancé" Earth reintroduces Ohm to Fluke. Fluke nervously greets Ohm and likewise Ohm.  "I will leave you two alone for a little bit. I'm thirsty. I'll go get us some drinks" Earth says as he gets up and leaves.

As the two are left alone, there's awkward silence. Sadness paints Ohm's face. Fluke looks at Ohm, feeling pity for him. Here's this man that everyone says is his fiancé standing in front of him looking lost. Fluke feels a pinch in his heart. He feels guilty for not remembering him.

"W-would you...like to take a sit?" Fluke asks Ohm, motioning him to take a sit next to the bed. Ohm nods and walks towards the bed and sits on the stool.
"I am sorry I don't remember you or anything that happened in the last year".
"It's not your fault, baby...I- I mean, Fluke", Ohm correct himself looking down. He does not want to look at Fluke because he'll just breakdown.

"P'Ohm, I understand this is hard on both of us, probably even more for you, but there must have been a lot of love between us if we're engaged, right?" Fluke asks. Ohm quickly looks up at Fluke with renewed hope. He hasn't been able to say much this entire time. He feels lost.

"You will be taking me with you, and I don't want you to feel estranged with me. I don't know how long it will take me to regain my memories, but until then, can we be friends?"...