The Memories Of Loving You

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 - Unusual Symptoms

Jamaad's P.O.V - (yes, again. It's hard to describe what Siara is going through so I'm opting for Jamaad's view instead.)

I take Siara to my house as fas as possible. The guild is too crowded, Porlyusica isn't around, and I don't know where Siara lives, so this is my only option at the present time. Her state is horrifying, and it worries me greatly. I gingerly carry her through the crowd. Avoiding any contact with others and ignoring the sceptical looks shot my way.

-

I unlock my apartment and heave Siara onto the couch inside. Laying her down, I check her temperature. Her forehead is burning, her cheeks flushed and sweat coating her figure. If I don't lower her temper, I'm not sure how much longer she will be able to survive.

"Ja...Jamaad...I need something...cold," Siara mutters quietly. Her voice sounds strained. Dry as a desert.

"Hang in there, I'll help you," I reply.

I rush to the fridge and frantically look for anything ice packs looking for her body. All I can find is a frozen sponge - a failed experiment - which might work as a temporary substitute. I rush back to where Siara is laying and place the sponges on her four head and upper chest. I observe as she begins to slow. It's working.

-

Over the next half hour, I replace her ice packs and make sure she is as comfortable as possible in her current position. She seems to be faring better than before, but still not well enough.

After she has completely passed onto sleep, I place all the unusable sponges back in the freezer for later use. Once I return to the room where Siara is rested, I notice her turned on her side. And, clutched in her hand, is a small photo. I move closer to her so I could get a better look, but the picture is too well hidden by her palm. I want to leave her be, but curiosity takes the better of me. So I slowly and carefully move her fingers away from the photo until I can see the glossy cover. I recognise it almost immediately once the glaring light has faded off the photo.

It's a memory from long ago. A picture taken on the outskirts of Hargeon. It was Siara's birthday and the first anniversary of our relationship. I bought her a necklace encrusted with her favourite gemstone. Rhi couldn't just let that moment go, so she snapped a photo and scribbled a few words in the corner.

I look back to the sleeping female and finally notice that very necklace now slung around her neck. Siara's grip tightens again, and the photo disappears from view as she rolls onto her side.

Now I'm concerned.

Siara shouldn't remember anything from her past. I've made sure of that. So then, how did she find these items?

I continue to wonder as I make my way to my bedroom, where I automatically begin my nighttime routine. I walk to the bathroom on my left, running my hands through my hair in agitation. It's no longer slicked back, but a ruffled mess. I change out of uniform, finally relieving myself from my sword and boy strapped on my back. I move to the sink, purposely keeping my eyes off the mirror and begin brushing my teeth.

Not long after, I hear small footfalls from behind me. I turn slowly on the spot and look through the doorway. There, standing half in shadow, the shape of Siara. She leans against the door frame, still half asleep.

I watch as she observes me from head to toe; from the toothbrush sticking out from my mouth to my naked torso. It takes a moment for her to notice her staring eyes, but no sooner than she does, her face is set ablaze with colour. Closing her eyes, Siara turns her back so to allow herself to regain her manner. I quickly pull on a shirt laying on the side of the bathtub just before she speaks.