Illegal Romance

Chapter 2

Beep, beep, beep...

Jimena: Mm...

I hear an unfamiliar sound and wake up slightly, but the room is still dark.

Jimena: (What is that noise...?)

I check the time and see that it's already five in the morning. I look at the sofa and see Noze sitting there, already dressed to go.

Jimena: Noze...?

Noze: Ahh, I woke you. Sorry.

Jimena: That noise...?

Noze: It's an emergency call.

He pulls a square object from his pocket as he speaks. He presses a small button and the sound stops.

Jimena: At this time...? Did you even get any sleep?

Noze: It's always like this. Being a police officer isn't easy.

He smiles bitterly, his eyes sleepy.

Jimena: Okay then, I'll make breakfast...

Noze: No, that's not necessary. I'll eat at work.

Jimena: Really...?

Noze worked from the early morning until late at night yesterday too. Seeing how little sleep he actually gets makes me feel worried.

Jimena: Are you... alright?

Noze: Haha, I'm fine. How's your memory?

Jimena: Ah, nothing yet...

Noze: Yeah? Well, actually...

Jimena: Actually...

Noze: I was thinking you should go to the hospital.

Jimena: The hospital...

Noze: There has to be something more effective than just waiting for it to return.

Jimena: ...

Noze: But if you go alone, I imagine it'd be complicated, what with not knowing your identity. So when you go, I'll go with you.

Jimena: Okay...

Noze: Just think it over.

Alone in the apartment, I lie down on the couch and think over what Noze said to me.

Jimena: (I'll probably get my memory back if I go to the hospital, but...)

Really thinking about it, my chances of getting it back are much higher there. However, I feel weirdly resistant to the idea of leaving here.

Jimena: (It'd be great to have my memory back...)

There's this undeniable, yet vague, fear and anxiety un my head. I know that it definitely has to do with my memory coming back. Opening a door that has been so firmly shut until now sounds frightening.

Jimena: ...Huh?

Noze's apartment looks tidied up. However, I can clearly tell by how few things there are that he never spends time at home. Looking closeling, I can see that quite a bit of dust has accumulated.

Jimena: I can't help but just think...

I decide to clean for a change of pace.

Jimena: Phew... I think that's it.

I breathe a sigh as I overlook the cleaned room apartment. I rest for a moment, then begin to prepare dinner. There's something comforting in these household chores.

Jimena: (I wonder if I was married...?)

I glance at my left hand. There's no ring, nor is there a sign that one's been there.