Do You Remember?

Part 3

"I don't know her. I'm sorry."

All motion in the room is instantly stilled, a stunned silence taking over. Karlie's family exchange quick, concerned glances as Taylor's breath catches in her throat, her world tipping off its axis. Panic begins to set in and all she can hear is the blood rushing in her ears. A nurse quickly notices the change in Taylor's demeanor and pulls a chair up behind her.

"You should sit," she quietly whispers. Taylor instinctively lowers herself into the chair, her legs feeling like they might give out beneath her. Her hands tremble slightly as she grips the armrests, trying to anchor herself in the moment. But everything feels surreal, like she's suddenly been plunged into a nightmare she can't wake up from.

Dr. Morgan clears his throat, "That's okay, Karlie. This is Taylor," he continues, again motioning to the blonde now seated beside him. "Is there anything about Taylor that seems familiar to you?"

Karlie's eyes flicker with uncertainty as she looks at Taylor again, searching for something—anything—that might spark a memory. Her brow furrows in concentration, but after a few moments, she shakes her head slowly, her expression apologetic and confused.

"I'm sorry," Karlie says, her voice shaking with the weight of her frustration. "But... I just don't. I feel like I'm supposed to know her, but it's like there's a blank space where the memory should be."

Dr. Morgan gives Taylor a sympathetic look before turning his attention back to Karlie. "It's okay, Karlie," he reassures her. "Memory loss can happen after a traumatic brain injury. The important thing is that you're awake and making progress. We'll work on the memories over time, and there's a good chance they'll start coming back as you heal."

Karlie nods, though her gaze remains uncertain. "Okay," she murmurs, clearly trying to make sense of everything.

Her eyes flicker back to Taylor. "Who – who are you?" she asked softly, apprehensively.

Taylor's heart feels like it's breaking all over again. The pain in Karlie's eyes is unmistakable, and the reality of the situation hits her hard. She swallows hard, trying to maintain her composure.

She takes a deep breath in. "I'm – I'm Taylor. I'm your – we've known each other for a long time..." she trails off, unsure exactly how much she should share at the current moment.

Dr. Morgan, sensing the unease in the room, steps in. "I think that's enough questions for tonight. Karlie, it's important you get some rest now. We'll regroup in the morning."

A flash of panic appears in Karlie's eyes. "Can – can my mom stay? My sisters?" she desperately asks. "I don't want to be alone."

He offers her an empathetic smile. "Of course, she and anyone else are welcome to stay and keep you company. But I'm serious, get some sleep, kid."

"Absolutely, we'll stay," Tracy says softly, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance. She turns to Karlie, smoothing her hair back. "I'm right here with you."

Karlie's gaze flickers between her mother and Taylor, her expression reflecting a sense of discomfort and awkwardness, considering in Karlie's head, Taylor is merely a stranger. Taylor, her heart heavy with a profound sadness, takes the hint. She inhales a deep breath and nods, trying to smile through her own anguish.

"I'll be back tomorrow," Taylor says, her voice tender. "We'll talk more then. Rest well."

Karlie offers a polite nod before turning her attention back to her family.

"We'll see you in the morning, Tay," Kimby whispers in her ear as she pulls her in for a hug. "It's going to come back to her, she just needs a little time," she reassures with a squeeze.