Lost and Found In Love (WRITING IN PROGRESS)

Chapter 11

The anticipation of leaving the hospital was almost as overwhelming as the mystery William was trying to solve. It had been weeks since the accident, weeks of sterile walls, clinical routines, and piecing together fragments of his life. Now, with Clara's help, he was preparing to take a step into the unknown—a journey to the Sand Dune Café, the first solid clue to his past.

The morning of the trip was bright and clear, the sunlight streaming through the blinds and casting long shadows across the room. William sat on the edge of his bed, his legs bouncing with restless energy as Clara went over the final details.

"Dr. Reynolds signed off on the temporary leave," Clara said, glancing at her clipboard. "We'll have a nurse accompanying us in case of any complications, but it should be a straightforward trip. It's just over an hour's drive."

William nodded, his hands gripping the edge of the bed. "What if no one remembers me?" he asked, voicing the fear that had been nagging at him since they made the plan. "What if this turns out to be a dead end?"

Clara crouched down so they were eye level, her expression steady and reassuring. "Then we'll come back here and keep looking," she said. "But I have a feeling this trip will give you more answers than you expect."

Her confidence gave him a glimmer of hope, and he nodded again, this time with more conviction. "Let's do it," he said.

The drive to the café was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. For the first time since the accident, William was outside the confines of the hospital, watching the world rush past the car window. The sights and sounds felt both familiar and foreign, like pieces of a puzzle that didn't quite fit together.

Clara sat beside him in the backseat, her presence a calming force as he processed the experience. "How are you feeling?" she asked, her tone gentle.

"Like I'm seeing everything for the first time," William admitted. "It's... overwhelming, but in a good way."

"That's normal," Clara said with a smile. "Take your time. There's no rush."

William nodded, his gaze drifting back to the passing scenery. The closer they got to the café, the more his nerves began to build. What if the trip brought up memories he wasn't ready to face? What if it confirmed fears he hadn't even allowed himself to name?

He shook the thoughts away, focusing instead on the excitement bubbling beneath the surface. For the first time, he was taking an active step toward uncovering his past, and that was worth holding onto.

When they arrived at the café, William felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The building was small but charming, with weathered wooden siding and a sign painted in cheerful blue and white. The patio overlooked the beach, where the sound of crashing waves provided a soothing backdrop.

Clara helped him out of the car, her hand steady on his arm as he took his first steps toward the entrance. A nurse followed a few paces behind, ready to assist if needed, but William's focus was entirely on the café.

The interior was warm and inviting, with mismatched tables and chairs that gave the space a cozy, lived-in feel. A handful of patrons sipped coffee and chatted softly, their laughter mingling with the faint hum of an old radio. Behind the counter, a woman in her late fifties greeted them with a welcoming smile.

"Welcome to the Sand Dune Café," she said, her voice cheerful. "What can I get for you?"

William hesitated, unsure of how to begin. Clara stepped in, her tone polite but purposeful. "Hi," she said. "This might sound like an odd request, but we're hoping you can help us. My friend here"—she gestured to William—"was in an accident and has lost some of his memory. We think he might have been here recently."