Unbreakable Duty

Waiting to be Remembered

As soon as the door closed behind Earn, Fahlada found herself staring at the hydrangeas resting on her bedside table. They were beautiful and full of life, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing in her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed, that the brief visit had been more than just a polite gesture. The way Earn had looked at her, the way she had hesitated before leaving - it all fell significant, like a puzzle piece falling into place.

A soft knock at the door pulled Fahlada from her thoughts. Bow and Rossami returned, balancing three cups of coffee and a bag of pastries.

"Well, that took a while," Fahlada remarked, raising an eyebrow as they entered.

Bow grinned, setting the coffee down on the small table beside Fahlada's bed. "You wouldn't believe the line. Apparently, everyone decided today was the perfect day for a coffee break."

Rossami sat down in the chair beside Bow, her eyes flitting to the hydrangeas. "So, how'd it go with Earn?" she asked, her tone light but laced with curiosity.

Fahlada hesitated, her gaze drifting back to the flowers. "It was... nice. She brought these," she said, nodding toward the hydrangeas. "It's strange, though. It felt like there was more behind her visit than just checking in."

Bow and Rossami exchanged a quick glance to one another, the kind that spoke volumes without words. Fahlada knowing how her friends' minds work, narrowed her eyes. "What?"

Bow sighed, leaning back in her chair. "We might have overheard a bit of your conversation," she admitted. "It wasn't on purpose! But we were standing right outside, and well, you know how thin these walls are..."

Rossami jumped in, trying to soften the blow. "Look, Cap, we just wanted to give you a heads-up. Susie mentioned something interesting while they were here."

Fahlada's curiosity piqued. "Go on."

"Well," Rossami began, choosing her words carefully, "Susie said that the florist that you frequent near Chinaworld, made a comment about you and Earn. She told Earn how the both of you used to buy flowers for each other. Hydrangeas for you, Lily of the Valley for Earn. The florist remembered both of you pretty well. Even if it's been a year since the last time you've been there"

Fahlada felt a jolt of surprise at the mention of the Lily of the Valley. It was true that she had often bought them for Earn - those delicate white blooms that Earn loved so much. But that was before... before the attack, before everything had changed. Could it be that Earn was starting to remember?

Bow leaned forward, her expression more serious now. "Do you think Earn might be recalling things? Even if it's just in fragments?"

Fahlada's mind raced, trying to piece together the implications. "Maybe," she finally said, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and caution. "But it's hard to say. I don't want to jump to conclusions. Just because she brought hydrangeas doesn't mean she remembers everything."

"But it's a start, right?" Rossami encouraged, her eyes softening with understanding. "I mean, she brought "your"  flowers, Lada. And if the florist mentioned that you used to buy her Lily of the Valley, that's got to mean something."

Fahlada nodded slowly, the weight of their words settling in. It did feel like a sign, a small but significant step towards something more. But she also knew how fragile memories could be, especially after what Earn had been through.

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see," Fahlada said, her tone measured. "I can't push her or rush this. If she's starting to remember, it has to come naturally. Otherwise, it could do more harm than good."

Bow reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Fahlada's arm. "You're right. But whatever happens, just know we're here for you. And for her."

Rossami nodded in agreement, adding, "This isn't something you have to face alone. We'll figure it out together."