A Broken Frame - Martin Gore ff

Chapter 2: The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters

The long, narrow hallway is keeping us together. Martin offered his arm to me to help me to walk, since I was still very weak and my legs were aching. We took our steps slowly but steadily. The infusion stand rolled close to my left and I watched the pictures on the wall.

- These are really nice and calming, aren't they? – I ask quietly.

- Yes, they are... - he answers calmly, but he opens his mouth after a few seconds. – I'm not surprised, you always loved art, maybe that's why your first memory was the exhibition.

- Which painters I liked? – I ask with an innocent expression, looking up at him and his green eyes glance back at me. My grip is tight around his sweatshirt, the fabric is nice and soft. He shows a pleasant, kind smile.

- Oh, there are many... From Van Gogh to Dalí. Goya and Caravaggio too. You even were a big fan of the earlier works of some kind of unknown Vasarely guy – he lets out a soft chuckle, showing his wonky teeth again.

I smile back at him. There's a strange connection that I can feel between us, which makes me trust him and I'm not afraid or uncomfortable around Martin. Maybe he was right, we were something more and complicated in the past and even this accident couldn't break this link between him and me. It's so sad that I can only recall his name.

- Tell me more about you, please. I want to remember so bad – I plead.

- I really want to, Tea. But the doctor said no, he wants you to get your memories back by using your own power. Believe me, there's no one on this Earth who wants you to remember more than me – the kind glow in his eyes mix with some sorrow.

- Wait, what...? – I shake my head in confusion. How did he call me? Even Martin is confused for a moment, but soon he gets what is wrong.

- Your nickname, remember? – meanwhile, we arrive to the elevator and he pushes the button. – I've always called you Tea. From kindergarten to this very day.

- Really? We know each other for such a long time? – I say with a delighted surprise. Martin nods.

- We went to school together too... - he remembers back. – I can recall, that I was so shy to ask you to dance with me on prom, so my best friend, Andy asked you to be my date. You liked another guy back then, but you still decided to go with me... I still don't know why.

I listen to him in amusement, but sadly, there are no memories that can reappear. But I believe him nonetheless, I can see that he's honest, there's a pale blush on his cheeks.

- Maybe I had a good reason – I respond quietly. Martin's expression becomes delightful, his green eyes are glowing with joy and timid love. His hand travels near to mine and his soft fingers wrap around my pale fingers and squeeze them gently.

We exchange a gentle smile, but some moments later, my expression becomes sour and I lay my forehead to his shoulder. I let out a troubled, tired sigh.

- I want them back, Martin... - my voice is crackled and high, close to crying, even my eyes start to feel wet. Martin caresses my hair and pulls me into a hug.

- No, no, please, don't cry dear. We'll talk to Dr. Banks again in no minute and everything will be alright - he whispers.

The elevator door opens and that's the moment when I start to get myself together. Martin walks in and he places the infusion stand inside and then helps me in too. He pushes the button from the 4th floor to the ground floor. As we arrive in silence, the bustling ground floor unfolds before me, nurses, doctors, patients and their chatting fills up the building. Martin escorts me away to another, calmer corridor with dark windows and a poster with the radiation hazard symbol.