The Man Who Left | ✔

24 | memoria.

M E M O R I A

[latin → memories, remembrance]

"So, have you ever dated anyone before me?" Maya asked, anxious of waiting for his answer.

Nathan set the spoon down on the plate, his brows scrunched in confusion. "Well, I really don't remember anything, to be honest." He leaned against his chair, his arms crossed over his chest as he continued. "The last thing I remembered was waking up with bandages all over me." He sighed. "What about you? Have you ever dated anyone before me?"

"Well, umm-uh," Maya stammered, swallowing hard. What should she say? Tell him the truth? "Uh, yeah. I have once."

"Really?" Nathan asked, leaning in closer. "Who?"

You. She wanted to say that so badly but she refrained herself from doing so. She thought of what Tahira had said to her about Nathan's memories; "If you want him to know who you are, make sure he finds out himself. Any memory triggers given to him could risk his life-and may cause serious injuries to his brain and they'll remain permanent. Remember that," Maya shuddered at the thought of losing him again, shaking her head in denial when she thought of the consequences. "It was a guy I met in New York, two years ago."

"That's interesting," Nathan smiled, "How was he like?"

Maya said, her voice so soft that it was merely a whisper. "He was charming, kind, loving-he was perfect." She looked up at him, who was smiling at her as she said those words as if he knew it was him she was talking about. "He was so perfect to be true-I really miss him," Maya choked at the word miss and Nathan grabbed her hands, squeezing it tight as if he would never let go.

"You don't have to miss him," Nathan smiled, "you have me. I'll always be there for you, Maya-no matter what,"