Unraveled

Chapter 4

Caleb stepped into the café, greeted by the familiar scent of coffee mixed with the earthy warmth of baked goods. The place was cozy, with the quiet hum of indie music drifting in the background. He spotted Aubrey at a corner table by the window, one leg crossed over the other, fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow over him.

Taking a steadying breath, Caleb made his way over. Everything here felt familiar, yet strangely distant, as though he were stepping into someone else's life. Aubrey glanced up, his face brightening with an easy smile.

"There you are," Aubrey said, relaxed. "Thought I'd be finishing this coffee alone."

Caleb chuckled softly as he slid into the seat across from him. "Sorry, lost track of time."

The café's familiar atmosphere, combined with Aubrey's steady presence, helped Caleb relax. The cup of coffee waiting for him on the table was a thoughtful gesture—Aubrey always seemed to know how to make things feel normal, even when nothing about Caleb's life felt that way.

"So," Aubrey began, stirring his drink with a casual flick, "any flashes of recognition today? Anything feel familiar?"

The question was asked lightly, but Caleb sensed the concern beneath it. Aubrey knew that every day felt like a new puzzle for Caleb to piece together. It had only been a day or so since he'd woken up without any memories, and Caleb couldn't force the scattered fragments to make sense.

"Nothing new," Caleb admitted, tracing the rim of his cup. "Just trying to figure out who I am, where I fit into all this."

Aubrey nodded, understanding without pity. "Well, you're doing better than I would be if I woke up without a clue," he said lightly. "You're handling it."

Caleb offered a small smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I don't know about that."

They talked about lighter things for a while—Aubrey told a story about a strange customer at work, and Caleb found himself laughing, the sound feeling odd but good. Aubrey had that effect on him, grounding him even when everything else felt like it was slipping away.

"It's nice to see you laugh," Aubrey said after a pause, his voice softening. He leaned in slightly, resting his elbows on the table. "I know things are...confusing. But you're not alone in this, okay?"

There was something in the way Aubrey said it—a sincerity that made Caleb's heart beat a little faster. The easy banter had shifted, replaced by a quiet tension in the air between them. Aubrey's gaze was steady, his smile softer, and Caleb suddenly felt very aware of how close they were sitting.

"Thanks," Caleb replied, his voice quieter. He let Aubrey's words sink in, but alongside the comfort came a sense of unease. As natural as Aubrey's presence felt, there was something about their connection that felt almost too easy, too familiar.

Aubrey's fingers brushed against Caleb's as he reached for his coffee, sending a jolt up Caleb's arm. His heart thudded, and he looked up, meeting Aubrey's gaze. The touch had been brief, but the atmosphere had shifted. Aubrey's expression was casual, but there was something in his eyes that made Caleb's pulse quicken.

"You know," Aubrey said, his tone light, "I didn't know how long it would take before you started relaxing again. Good to see you settling in."

Caleb swallowed, trying to steady his breath. This was happening too fast—his body reacting before his mind could keep up. The way Aubrey looked at him, the way his smile lingered, felt too familiar, too close. Had they been something more than coworkers?

Before he could ask, a flash of memory struck—a woman's laugh, bright but with an edge. He saw a glimpse of red hair, wild and vibrant, but her face was blurred. His heart clenched as the image slipped away.