Bound by Shadows

1

My eyes fluttered open to harsh, sterile lights that pierced through my eyes. The throbbing pain in my head echoed with each heartbeat, a constant symphony of agony. I tried to make sense of my surroundings, but the stark white walls offered no familiarity.

The scent of antiseptic assaulted my senses, and the rhythmic beeping of machines nearby added to my confusion. Panic crept in as I surveyed the unfamiliar room, my mind fumbling to grasp at fragments of memory that remained elusive.

Where am I? The question echoed in my muddled thoughts. My gaze darted around, landing on the sterile hospital sheets, the clinical whir of medical equipment, and the distant murmur of footsteps outside the door. Fear mingled with confusion as I strained to recall how I ended up here.

A soft moan escaped my lips as I gingerly touched my forehead, feeling the tender ache. Shadows of pain danced behind my closed eyelids, like ghosts trying to reveal secrets I couldn't comprehend.

The rustle of fabric drew my attention, and I turned my head to find a nurse standing by the bedside, her face a blend of professional concern and compassion. She spoke in a soothing tone, words that were meant to reassure, but my awareness struggled to understand.

"....hear me?"

I blinked several times but then nodded as a response, focusing on her mumbled voice.

After adjusting myself, the door slides open revealing a man, his face framed by a disheveled curtain of brunette hair. Stubble adorned his jaw, worry and relief etched on his features.

"Zanya," his expression softened as he uttered the name.

Is that my name?

In three strides, he crossed the room, while the nurse excused herself to summon a doctor.

His warm palm cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing gently, but I recoiled, slapping his hand away. "Who are you?"

He blinked, a fleeting uncertainty in his eyes, or was it hurt? "Caelus— your husband," he claimed.

Caelus? The name echoed in the hollow corridors of my mind but nothing seemed to come up as I stared at him. The room seemed to close in on me as confusion and fear intertwined.

"I... I can't remember," I confessed, my voice a fragile thread in the air.

Just in time, the nurse returned with a doctor in tow. They exchanged hushed words as the middle aged woman approached, easing the tension in the room. "Hello Mrs Hudson, my name is Dr. Turner. How are you feeling?"

I struggled to find the words but I told her about my headache as Caelus chimed in the fact I couldn't remember anything. Dr.Turner then continued her examination, asking questions about my memory, the pain in my head, and the events that led to my hospitalization.

"I understand this might be disorienting," she began, her voice measured and reassuring. "The impact on your head during the incident has likely caused a form of amnesia. It's not uncommon in cases like yours. We'll run some tests to get a clearer picture, but for now, it's essential to be patient as your mind heals."

A heavy silence settled in the room as both of them left, giving the man and I privacy. He settled into an empty chair, elbows resting on his knees, head bowed.

"Do you perhaps know what happened to me?"

His gaze locked into mine, unveiling eyes as deep and tumultuous as the sea. "You were attacked," he said, his voice carrying the weight of remorse, and he buried his face in his hands. "It was my fault for not being there for you."

Unexpectedly, my heart stirred at the sight of his vulnerability. "Why would someone do that? Did I have enemies?"

He removes his hands and forced a smile, "If anything, I am the one with lots of enemies, Zanya."

Before I could pry for more details, he delved into his pocket and took out a ring. Sliding it onto my finger, he took my hand, bringing it to his lips.

"Welcome back, darling."

The weight of the ring, the warmth of his lips on my hand, sparkled a flicker of something familiar—a connection.