The Neon Sign

2

  The car ride to the malt shop was uncomfortably quiet as neither man knew what to say. Eventually, Dale broke the silence.
  "Hey, Alan? So..do you remember where I live? Or what happened to my car? Or if I even work anywhere?" He looked down at his leather jacket and toyed with the zipper, enjoying the sound it made. He blew his hair out of his face a few times, but gave up as it kept falling.
  "Tch. We really need to get you some hairspray. It's so weird seeing you without your pompadour," he began with a small smile, "I'm just glad I brought you some extra clothes. You were pretty banged up. It's a miracle nothing's broken. And yeah, I can get ya home. I'll find about your car for you."
  "Thanks, Alley Cat," he mumbled. He pulled the visor down and looked at himself. His pale green eyes scanned his face to see his bruises and sighed. 
"Hey...I know this is random, but do you think you could stay with me for a bit? I don't know what I'm supposed to do every day."
   "Yeah. That was the plan. I took care of your apartment while you were in the hospital. I bet Charlie missed you. She kept waiting by the door and laying on your pillows."
   The cogs in Dale's brain were turning, but not for long as he recognized the name. He smiled brightly as he remembered who it was. He leaned his head on the door and watched as the sun lowered on the horizon.
   Eventually, they arrived at the apartment complex. Alan guided Dale towards his apartment. As they got closer, a dog began barking. Once they reached the door, the dog began to scratch on the door, eager to get out to see if her owner was really home. Alan opened the door and a beagle darted out, barking and whining excitedly as she saw Dale. The tall blond picked her up and held her still as she was squirming.
   Dale took a deep breath and looked around, recognizing that this was his home. He sighed as he didn't have any memories of anything that happened in it. He walked in and plopped down on the couch, Charlie hopping up and sprawling out on his lap.