Ember's Love: Lost in Time

Chapter Four

As Ember made her way out of the museum, she decided to take a leisurely stroll through the bustling city streets. The warm sunlight bathed her in its golden embrace, casting a gentle glow on her Victorian attire as she meandered along the cobblestone paths.

Lost in her thoughts, Ember almost didn't notice the figure that came into view. A young woman with warm eyes and a familiar smile approached her, a mix of surprise and delight evident on her face. "Elora!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and concern. "I can't believe it's you! I heard you fell ill, and we haven't seen each other in months. How are you feeling?"

"I'm sorry but  who are you? Can you tell me your name?" Ember asked.

Confusion clouded Abigail's features, a mix of concern and curiosity playing upon her face. "What do you mean, Elora? It's me, Abigail. We've been best friends for so long. How can you not know me?"

Ember took a deep breath, the weight of her words hanging in the air. "It's not because of illness. It's... It's because of an accident. I lost my memories. I don't remember anything."

A range of emotions flickered across Abigail's face—surprise, sadness, and a tinge of realization. She reached out, her hand trembling as she gently grasped Ember's. "Oh, Elora, I had no idea. I'm so sorry you had to go through this."

"It's not your fault, no need to say sorry."

Ember and Abigail found themselves seated in a cozy corner of a quaint café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. As they settled into their chairs, Abigail took a deep breath, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Elora," Abigail began, her voice gentle yet earnest, "I want you to know that I'm here for you, as your best friend. Despite your lost memories, our bond remains strong. We've shared countless moments together, and I believe in the strength of our connection."

Ember nodded, gratitude etched upon her face. "Thank you."

Abigail smiled warmly, her eyes shining with compassion. "Now, I know you mentioned an accident. Could you tell me more about how it happened?"

Ember took a deep breath, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. She recounted the details as best she could, her voice steady but tinged with a touch of melancholy.

"Well, according to my maid, I fell down from my horse and I hit my head badly. Which explains why I lost my memories."

"But why are you riding a horse in the first place?"

"I received a letter from Alexander. I forgot what the letter contains and my maid told me that I burned it."

Abigail nods. "I see. Then, I assume the news about your illness is fake?"

"Indeed. My parents spread that news, to avoid gossips and scandals."

Ember took a sip of her coffee, her eyes fixed on Abigail, a mixture of hope and trepidation in her gaze. She took a deep breath before finally voicing the question that had been weighing on her mind.

"Abigail, I know this might be a long shot, but... have you heard anything about Alexander?" Ember asked, her voice filled with a blend of anticipation and uncertainty.

Abigail's expression shifted, a flicker of recognition crossing her features. She leaned forward, her voice filled with a mix of caution and excitement. "Elora, I actually heard some news from Ingrid, Alexander's sister. She mentioned that he has returned to town recently."

Ember's heart skipped a beat, a surge of emotions coursing through her. "He's back? After all this time?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of surprise and longing.