Redemption

Importance of a Name

“Tell me,” They were sitting back long after dinner was over, enjoying the flickering blaze. “Do you know who I am?”

She hesitated a long moment before looking back at him, her brow furrowed a little.

Yes.

Breath almost exploded from him, like he’d been holding it in for a month. At last, maybe he would have some answers!

“Tell me, tell me what you know.” He leaned forward but the sudden move sent a blaze of agony across his ribs and he sat back, gasping.

She came forward with a small bowl of what he now knew was an herbal tea and handed it to him. It always dulled the pain but tasted awful. He swallowed it in one long gulp, grimacing as it went down.

“Ugh…that stuff is nasty,” he shook his head as if that would rid his mouth of the flavor. It did not. “Disgusting.”

It good, help you.

“That does not make it any more palatable,” he retorted and she grinned slightly. “Do not think that I forgot my question,” he reminded her. “I want to know, tell me what you know of me.”

As though she had not heard, her head turned away from him. The tap of his finger on her arm was gentle.

“If you know, you need to tell me.”

No. She still wouldn’t face him.

“What do you mean ‘no’? You have to,” his heart quickened as irritation swept through him.

No.

“Listen, you cannot just deny me knowledge about myself!” Voice strained, he suddenly wondered what sort of temper he had.

Rising smoothly, she moved away without looking at him. He struggled to his feet also, taking several slow steps after her.

“Why?” At his tone, she stopped. “Why won’t you tell me? What gives you the right to stay silent?” He stiffened when she shot him a dark look over her shoulder. “You know what I mean! You can tell me, why won’t you?”

A tiny crack appeared in the armor behind her eyes, and he took advantage of it.

“Please… I have to know something. Anything at this point.”

You happy? You rest?

Frowning, he shrugged, not understanding.

“What do you mean?”

On silent feet she came back to him, placing her hand over his heart. Applying gentle pressure she repeated.

You happy? You rest in your heart?

Still frowning, his irritation was starting to bloom into hope.

“Are you trying to ask if I feel at peace?”

Her nod was brief as she looked into his eyes.

“How can I be at peace if I do not know who I am?” Grabbing her hand before she could move away, he held it firmly. “Tell me, please.”

No good behind you, no happy. Though cryptic, her response sounded like a warning.

“So, I am not going to like what I learn, is that it?” Slowly dropping her hand he just stared at her. “What kind of man was I?”

Good man, she gestured slowly, you good man.

“How good could I have been if you will not help me remember? I must have done something awful to you,”