City of Light

1.

When I woke up, there was stranger sitting besides my bed.

I still remember his dark eyes as they gazed at me, shining like polished jewels under the afternoon sun. The white curtains of the hospital room danced in the spring breeze as I studied the young man.

He smiled gently at me, pointing to the door as a woman entered. When her familiar eyes landed on my sitting figure, she gasped and dropped her groceries, apples scattering over the glossy white floor tiles.

"Catherine!" she exclaimed, tears in her eyes. She ran to me and showered me with kisses, squeezing me in her embrace. I was shocked; I didn't recall acquainting myself with this woman, yet I was blasted with a wave of nostalgia when I caught the scent of her perfume.

"My baby... Thank the Heavens you woke up... I love you so much."

I gently pried her hands off me, wiping her tears that stained my cheek. "I'm sorry... I don't know who you are..."

Her brown hues changed from joy to shock. She held my hand to her lips and sobbed even louder.

Confused, I turned to the boy who sat patiently in his chair, witnessing my awkwardness without saying a word.

-

"In her case, this may be a case of amnesia. It is not impossible since she did receive a blow to her head... Miss Catherine, can you tell me there is anything you can recall?"

I narrowed my eyes, my memories foggy. Lowering my head in shame, I shook my head.

"I'm sorry, Doctor. I don't remember anything."

The woman from before was my mother. Upon hearing my words she covered her mouth with a hand and leaned into the chest of my father. He held her shoulders, his expression a cesspool of emotions.

I felt my heart clench in pain as my parents wept over my unfortunate condition. A familiar lump grew in my throat as tears pricked my eyes. I couldn't ignore the heavy guilt weighing down on my heart.

With a sigh, the doctor spoke. "For now, I advise you to go over anything with Miss Catherine. It may spark her memories and hopefully, she may regain them. However, please be patient and let her recover before being discharged from the hospital."

"It's okay, honey. You'll be okay." my mother smiled at me. I could tell she was trying really hard to hold back any more tears. "If you have any questions or concerns, your father and I will always be here to help you."

I nod, thanking the two. "In that case," I pointed at the boy who had been here the whole time. "Could you please tell me who he is? He's been watching us for a while..."

A puzzled look crossed my parent's faces as they exchanged glances of confusion.

"Honey, I don't know what you're talking about... there's nobody there."