AUTHOR'S P.O.V
"Is she alright?"
Ariana questioned Nicole, concern etched on her face. Nicole had briefed her on Ava's condition.
Nicole nodded. "I think so. Dr. Ross is with her."
Ariana's brow furrowed. "Dr. Ross?"
"Dr. West is on vacation. He left Dr. Ross in charge of Ava's case," Nicole explained.
Alistair, who had only meant to drop Ariana off, couldn't help but stay, seeing how worried she was about her cousin.
"You said she had amnesia, right?" Alistair asked.
Nicole nodded. "For two years now."
Alistair frowned. "That long?"
Just then, Dr. Ross approached, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. He looked young, perhaps late twenties or early thirties.
"Is everything alright, Doctor?" Nicole asked, offering him a seat.
Dr. Ross sat, his expression serious. "Ava's experiencing triggered memories. Certain actions or words link to her past, causing migraines and fainting."
"That's good, isn't it?" Nicole asked, hopeful. "It means she's recovering memories."
Dr. Ross shook his head. "The memories are fragmented, unclear. It's as if her mind is resisting recall."
Alistair leaned forward. "Why would her mind resist memories?"
Dr. Ross hesitated. "It's possible Ava's subconscious is protecting her from traumatic experiences. We see this in cases of dissociative amnesia."
The room fell silent, each lost in thought.
Alistair broke the silence. "How can we help her?"
Dr. Ross leaned forward. "You can try triggering memories through sensory experiences. Smells, sounds, places – anything that might link to her past. But be cautious; this can be overwhelming."
Ariana exchanged glances with Nicole. "Any other option?"
Dr. Ross sighed. "A psychologist, but...Ava's history with therapists hasn't been successful."
Alistair frowned. "What happened?"
Nicole explained, "Ava faints at every appointment."
Dr. Ross stood. "For now, focus on sensory triggers. I'll prescribe medication to manage her migraines."
As Dr. Ross left, Nicole turned to Ariana. "We need to talk."
Alistair's eyes narrowed. "What's going on?"
Ariana exchanged glances with Nicole. Nicole nodded.
Ariana's voice dropped to a whisper. "Ava's not Ava."
Nicole's expression turned grave. "Ava, our Ava, died five years ago."
Alistair's face contorted in confusion. "What?"
Ariana's eyes seemed distant. "Let me explain..."
Alistair nodded. "Please do."
"Two years ago," Ariana began, her gaze seeming distant.
_FLASHBACK (2 years ago)_
Ariana stormed into the hospital, Nicole beside her. They stopped at the desk.
"Room 206, please," Ariana said.
The receptionist nodded. "Down the hall."
They entered Room 206, finding Theodore Machiavelli pale and weak in bed.
