THE DAY I WOKE UP

ME?AMNESIA?HALLUCINATIONS?

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in Julian's arms on the sofa, with a faint buzzing sound in my ears. Julian wore a worried expression as he spoke on the phone. I was too weak to focus, but his warmth enveloping me offered some comfort amidst the shock of losing twelve years of my life and the subsequent blackout that left my body numb.

Strangely, fragments of memories began to resurface. In one, Julian and I watched a sunset together. In another, I saw Cassandra, and most significantly, a vivid memory emerged of Julian proposing to me. It dawned on me that Julian was the same guy who had professed his love for me back in 9th grade, despite my initial rejection. Now, somehow, I found myself married to him.

"Great, my life just needs more twists!" I muttered to myself, overwhelmed by the sudden flood of memories and the surreal realization of my current circumstances.

Finally gathering some strength, I sat up as Julian ended his call. "Did you carry me here?" I inquired, feeling weak.

"Yes," he replied with concern. "Are you okay? You seem really tired. I've made an appointment with the doctor to check what's going on. Did you eat properly yesterday? Shall I help you to the car, or can you manage?"

"No, I'm fine," I insisted weakly. "Just tired from a lot of work. I'll manage. Don't worry about it. Go to work."

"Georgina, this time you have to listen to me," Julian insisted firmly. "Get in the car, or I'll carry you. Change out of your pajamas. We're going to the hospital, no more arguments."

Left with little choice and not wanting to go to the hospital in my pajamas, I quickly showered and chose a cute pink frock, tying my hair into a messy ponytail. As I stepped out, I almost tripped, prompting Julian to scoop me up effortlessly. I protested, feeling uncomfortable with being carried by someone I hardly knew, but Julian's strength prevailed.

During the car ride, Julian suggested, "Let's buy dinner tonight. I want to celebrate."

Confused, I asked, "Celebrate? Why?"

Julian looked at me with surprise. "Do you know what day it is today?"

I shrugged. "Monday? Sorry, I've lost track of the days."

His expression faltered, hurt evident in his eyes.

I couldn't understand why Julian seemed hurt. Was it really that important for a wife to remember the day of the week? Being a wife felt like a tough job, and I silently cursed Maria with every thought that crossed my mind. Eventually, we arrived at the hospital and sat waiting for my name to be called. Julian kept scrolling on his phone, avoiding eye contact with me. When it was finally my turn, I entered the doctor's office where she asked me several questions, conducted tests, and then called Julian in.

"The good news is, there's nothing physically wrong with her brain," the doctor began. "However, she appears to have acute amnesia. She's forgotten everything since she was fourteen, which explains her recent behavior. I've prescribed some medication to help regain her memory, but the timeframe for recovery varies based on the severity of the shock that caused her blackout."

As the doctor continued, explaining the need for rest, proper nutrition, and constant supervision, I felt overwhelmed. She mentioned my claim of seeing Maria and dismissed it as a hallucination, stating Maria was alive and well. Julian listened attentively, absorbing every word.

"It's too much to process," I muttered, realizing I had forgotten my entire love life due to some trivial shock. I told Julian I needed air and stepped outside. Just then, a phone in my pocket began to ring. Retrieving it, I saw it was an Apple phone with a cover displaying a photo of my school besties Lisa, Haley, and Maria. I mused to myself that if I still had their photo as my phone cover, I must still be in touch with them. Unfortunately, the caller was my sister Regina.