Whispers of Forgotten Memories

Chapter 4: Unlocking Memories

"Oakley, follow me. I have an idea. I'm going to distract Mom while you go outside." Oakley nodded and smiled, "Alright Meadow. I trust you. You're my amazing big sister." Meadow smiled at Oakley.

Meadow and Oakley went downstairs. Meadow's heart was racing as she turned to her mom, who was sitting at the kitchen table, engrossed in a book. "Mom, guess what? Ava found some kind of hidden treehouse in the park, and she said it's so cool! I want to see that."

Her mom looked up, an eyebrow cocked. "A hidden treehouse? Really? I thought that place was just a rumor.

"Yeah! Ava said she even saw some old toys in there. Maybe it used to belong to some kids years ago!" Meadow said, continuing because she knew this would surely get her mom's attention. "I can't believe you never told me about it!"

"Hmm, I must have forgotten," she said, with a thoughtful look crossing her face. "But I'm glad you're going out. Just make sure to be careful, okay?"

Meadow nodded furiously, hoping to conceal her nervousness. "Of course! I'll be fine! Just need to pick up a few things from my room."

As she turned to leave the kitchen, she cast a look at the front door. Oakley was there, almost, his little body mostly shrouded in the hallway shadows. "Hurry, Oakley!" she mouthed silently, urging him on, willing him to hurry up.

"Meadow, wait," her mom called just as she reached the stairs. "Make sure you have your phone in case I need to reach you."

"Of course! I'll get it now!" Meadow yelled back, heart racing. She ran upstairs, but when she looked again, Oakley had slipped out the door.

The moment she was alone, she burst into her room and picked up her phone, her mind on fire with apprehension. What if we get caught? "I need to know that Oakley is okay." she thought. Even though she just met her younger brother today, her big sister instincts kicked in immediately. Suddenly, she stopped worrying, having heard the soft sound of the front door shut.

"Okay, he's outside. Just stay calm," she whispered to herself, breathing deeply.

As she was walking back down, she could hear the faint sound of laughter that came from outside. Meadow leaned out the window and saw Oakley crouching near the flowerbed, a grin on his face. "We did it, Meadow!" he whispered excitedly.

"Yeah, we did! But now what?" she said, turning around, watching to see if her mom was still distracted.

We explore!" Oakley beamed, shining with radiance in his eyes. "Can we go to the park? I want to see the treehouse!"

Meadow nodded, filled with an upsurge of determination. "Alright, let's go, but we have to be quick!

Down the front steps, they ran, with adrenaline pumping through their veins. They ran across to the park, but upon running, there was a mix of exhilaration and fear. This was their secret adventure-nothing would ever, could ever stop them, not even the unknown that lay ahead.

"So Oakley, do you remember what happened to you all those years ago?" Meadow asked.
"Meadow, I. I don't really remember it all that well, but I know it was all so confusing for everyone. I felt sick, and it was just like nobody knew what was wrong with me. I just remember being in and out of places smelling funny and having bright lights.
That day. I really remember it was very dark and noisy. Lights were flashing everywhere, and it seemed as though the world was spinning. The others around me must have been scared, too. I was scared, as well. I'm sorry, I wanted to say more to you, but it's as though these recollections were somehow wrapped in some sort of fog.
I could feel how much sorrow it brought into you and Mom and Dad, like a heavy heart. But I want you to know that it's okay to talk about me, even if it hurts. I didn't want to leave you all behind." Oakley answered.




"Oakley, were you always there, watching over us?" Meadow curiously asked.
"That's a tough question, Meadow. It's like I'm here now, but before. I don't really know how to explain it. I've felt a connection to you, to Mom and Dad, like a thread that ties us together, even if I wasn't really here.

Sometimes, I hear whispers of memories, little flashes of love and laughter, but they seem to be at a distance, like looking through a foggy window. I think I always wanted to be with you all, even when I was. gone. Maybe that's why I'm here now.

All I wanted to say was that, well, I'm proud of you, and that while all of this has gone on, from wherever I was, I was rooting for you. It's just that now I feel like I'm finally finding my way home." Oakley responded.

"Okay. Last question because we're almost at our old house. Why can't I remember you and why have Mom and Dad acted like you never existed??"

"I know it's confusing, Meadow. You were so little when I left. Mom and Dad, they wanted to make the pain go away, so they tried to erase it. They wanted you to have a happy childhood, even if it meant forgettin' about me.
It was meant to protect you, but instead, Mom and Dad lost a part of our family. Now, the time has come to regain that part of your life and find out who I was to you." Oakley calmly answered.
"Oh look! We're here!" Meadow exclaimed as they stood outside her childhood home. Oakley and Meadow stepped inside together.