Lost Oceans

By Erin Anastasia

Dive into the depths of mystery. Plunge into the shallows of secrets and drown deeply in love.

Mia, a walking mystery washes up ashore and is found by a handsome stranger. She awakens with no memory of who she is, or how she got there. The only clue to her existence is the locket inscribed with her name. Elijah Sparks is intrigued and offers his home as her refuge - slowly gaining her trust. While he helps to search for clues of her life – he is adamant of keeping his own shadowed - he’s a sniper. Together they embark on a journey of self-discovery, adventure and memories. Only the ocean will know if this is fate or coincidence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erin Anastasia
• Release date: May 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9780620752107

Book preview

Acknowledgments

To my family, thank you – for not thinking I’ve lost my mind and for understanding when I would disappear into another world. To my parents, thank you for being here, letting me be who I am, respecting my love of books, words, and being introverted. Mom, from the beginning you were my best critic and support, I’m grateful for the countless cups of tea and for always listening when the characters got too loud. Dad, thank you for supporting this adventure and to the teasing but proud comments. To my grandfather, thank you for being a gentle wise soul in my life. To my siblings; thanks for not kicking me off the island when I chose writing over our time. You guys have always supported me when I needed it the most. Andrea, it was your continued excitement for the next chapter and the next, as well as the beautiful banners you created that brought parts of this book to life that I loved so much. Aiden, you were the first to know and read this story, and even though I was absolutely nervous it was your encouragement that let me share it with the family and others. Raquel, even though you were young at the time, you inspired me a lot with our oddest conversations and sweet happiness getting to hear the mystery.

To my friends and original online readers, you know who you are, I can’t thank you enough for the immense support I received when I first began this story... When I was in doubt of continuing, there was always pleading encouragement to go on and I just want all of you writers to know; never give up on your story – it’s never the end. To my best friends, thank you for supporting me and sharing in the excitement and plot twists. Shanice, I will always remember your fan girl moments and your hilariously entertaining theories. I’m so grateful to have you all. To others who have joined and supported me along the way, I appreciate every one of you.

To the team at Reach; it took me three years to find the courage to share this and I want to thank you all for making it come to life. You guys are the most pleasant group and make a new writer feel welcomed to the process. Thank you!

To the reader, reading this now. Thank you for picking up this book. I hope you find a bit of yourself somewhere in these pages and I hope you lose yourself along the lines, but eventually find your way back in the end, because at some point we always do.

Prologue

Memories are more than just a recollection of past moments in life that the brain keeps on the side waiting to be remembered once more. They’re what make us who we are. They build us as a person. Not just the happy ones, but the hurtful and heartbreaking ones too.

Our negative memories provide us with tears; because crying is a good release, they make us stronger, teach us lessons and make us fighters.

The good ones gift us with joy and happiness. They make us better people with positive thoughts and feelings.

Memories can create our very being – sometimes even unravel them, and, without memories, our souls would feel lost.

1

Beautiful

Elijah’s POV

The ocean sparkles under the light of the rising sun. It is peaceful, almost too perfect. The calm effect crashes into my soul like the waves on the shoreline and I drift away into wandering thoughts. It is a striking creation, the ocean, and so dangerous. Beneath its surface lays an unpredictable mysterious domain. It’s somewhat symbolic – a lesson in life – that no matter how much beauty something holds there’s always some danger right beside it. That is how the world balances out; every good must have its bad.

I tear my gaze away from the world’s wonder to continue my jog down the shoreline. The sun beats against my bare back, warming my skin. Though it’s half past-six on a Thursday morning, the beach unsurprisingly has people lazing around. People of Aaron’s Rock share the common love of the ocean in the early morning hours. Runners, shop and restaurant owners thrive on the morning atmosphere at the beachside.

I pick up speed, passing a small group of females lounging on the sand.

There’s a great benefit to living so close to the beach. A morning jog along the shore gets me awake and ready for work – work – the simple word plays a reminder of the fact that I am still unwillingly on leave. The week-old conversation between my father and me rushes like a tide back to me.

Dad, it’s me; you needed something?

Eli! Yes! I needed to inform you about an important matter. Where are you? His tone indicates he is half smiling.

I’m on my way to you now, I answer, scowling at the traffic build-up in front of me.

Don’t waste your time, he states calmly. I wanted to tell you not to bother showing up at the office.

I am glad I am at a standstill, as I am caught by surprise.

Why?

Before you argue, just listen to me, son. This isn’t a rash decision; I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. He pauses. You’re still young and in your prime, Elijah, so it’s okay to take a vacation. I say this as your father and superior – you’re the finest Sniper around and no one else is more capable than you, which is why you also need to enjoy life around you.

I sigh loudly. I disagree. Are you sure? I ask.

I’ve never led you astray before. Trust me. You’re on break until indefinitely, okay?

Though there is that small word at the end, I know it was an order and I cannot refuse or change my father’s mind. He is not easily influenced by others. Not even by his own blood. Perhaps that’s how he ended up running his own special recruit and armed unit.

I nod to myself. Okay, I agree, suddenly feeling restless.

I push away the conversation as I near the pier. Adrenaline pumps through my veins, increasing my momentum, closing the distance and, though an average man would feel strained, my muscles barely pull the weight of the sand. I stop at the entry under the dim pier, leaning against a pillar to settle my pulse. The second I release a thrilled breath, I sense the sudden change in the air.

There is something wrong. My skin crawls and my neck tightens. It is a feeling that comes naturally now after all the training I’ve gone through.

The adrenaline kicks up my awareness of the surrounding area, forcing me into alert mode. My immediate response is to scan the beach. Nothing is out of place. I face the dark abyss under the pier and, without hesitation, I enter, my feet moving cautiously while struggling to see in the shadowy cave. Edging closer to the water, I notice an outline of something. A few sun rays streak through the boards above and, gradually, my eyes adjust from shadows to vaguely decent vision. The air is colder under here, which enhances the smell of salty sea water. I near the heap in the muddy water and come to the quick realisation that it isn’t something, but rather someone.

The body is female with half her face pressed into the sand. Instinct kicks in and I promptly check her pulse – it’s faint, but it’s there. Her skin is ice cold, as half of her still lies in water. I fear hypothermia might take her soon. Not wasting a second more, I pull the girl out of the water and proceed with CPR for some time.

Nothing changes.

Come on! You need to breathe! I shout at her.

She needs medical assistance or death will take her soon.

I scoop her small body into my arms and run straight out to the busy beach. The sunlight is blinding as I scream, Call an ambulance!

People jump into confused action while others run towards us. Gently, I lay the unconscious girl on the sand. I gasp at the sight before me. The light shows the young woman’s tiny frame, waterlogged skin, shrivelled fingers, purple, chapped lips and a bleeding wound on her left arm. She is a ghost of broken beauty.

I need a towel! I demand.

I receive a shirt. I rip the material and fasten it around her injured arm, attempting to stop the bleeding. I continue pressing on her chest and alternatively giving her oxygen. It feels like an eternity passes before, finally, brown eyes burst open, mouth gasping as she wretches water from her lungs. I am caught in a wonder as her eyes flutter open for only a second more before they slowly shut again, chest heaving according to her strangled breathing.

Loud warning sirens sound in front of me and the circle of watchers step out of the way as paramedics rush towards the female. I move aside, staying close enough to overhear their words.

Miss? Can you hear me? She’s unresponsive!

Head injury – possibly fatal.

High blood loss, rapid breathing – let’s get her some oxygen!

I think she’s going into shock! We need to move!

They load her into the ambulance with the logo of Grace Hospital and I tell myself to let her go and walk away, but, instead, my hand reaches for the paramedic before he jumps into the vehicle.

Will she make it? I enquire with little emotion.

The man grimaces. It’s too soon to tell. You’re the one who found her?

I did.

Do you know who she is?

No, I don’t, I apologise.

The paramedic nods sadly and shuts the door. They speed away.

Bystanders disperse back to their places and lives, and any evidence of a commotion slowly disappears. I glance at my watch and decide to head home. On any normal day, my mind is clear on the run back home, but today I am stuck on a certain brown-eyed girl, wondering if she’ll survive or not.

I enter through the front door and walk straight down the passage into the kitchen to get a bottle of water. I welcome the refreshing feeling as it slides down my throat. I finally give in and turn to the scrutinising eyes of the other presence in the room. Nora, my housekeeper. She’s a kind, yet stern older woman. She was recruited by my mother when I was a young boy and given the title of overseer of the house. She followed me when I moved out, showing up for a few hours a day. I sometimes think my family sent her to make sure I’m alive when I’m home, which is quite rare, to be honest.

Nora’s eyes narrow on a specific part of my body. I follow her gaze to the crimson stain on my chest.

It’s not my blood, I state.

Oh. Did you beat up another person? She smirks.

Funny, I say dryly, then cough. I saved someone – a girl. She washed up on shore under the pier where I run. Barely alive when I found her, had a cut arm and head injury. I shrug, keeping my voice purposely nonchalant. I’ve witnessed multiple deaths and wounds, of which my housekeeper is well aware. She’s quite knowledgeable on my job description.

Will she live? Nora’s worry is clear; even to a stranger, she shows kindness.

She’s been taken to Grace Hospital. I managed to get her breathing before the paramedics got to her, but that’s all I know. I throw the empty bottle in the trash and grab a small biscuit. I’m going to shower; feel free to take the day off, Nora.

She gives me a small smile. Oh, do you have plans?

I shake my head.

She huffs. In that case, perhaps check on the girl.

I shake my head and turn to leave.

Might as well, since you have nothing to do but mope around the house, Nora adds loudly after me.

After a cool shower, I contemplate asking my father to rethink my forced leave. I need a new assignment. My mind keeps reverting to just a stranger; it must be because of my lack of busy schedule, but even I know he will never agree.

Grabbing my car keys from the drawer, I catch my tall reflection in the mirror. I’m well-built, with broad shoulders, a chiselled jaw, greenish-grey eyes and dark brown hair. I’m not conceited, but I’m aware of my appearance; however, unlike other twenty-four-year-old males, I don’t use it to my advantage. I don’t have time for that.

Once outside, I start up my silver Chevrolet Camaro. The engine roars to life and the explicit sound brings a smile. I follow the familiar drive to a close friend, but, as I turn a corner, the image of the girl in water distracts me.

I pull off to the side of the road with an internal argument about going to the hospital.

This isn’t a good idea. I shouldn’t be doing this. Think about it carefully, I tell myself. If I go there, who knows what I’ll find? Maybe I should just leave her alone, but... I could just check if she’s stable. There’s no harm in it, right?

I take a deep breath. My decision made.

Grace Hospital isn’t that far away and, too soon, I am parking my car and entering the sanitised scented building.

I bypass the receptionist and head up the stairs to the third floor. As luck would have it, my time of arrival is perfect, as I bump into the man I am searching for, knowing I’d get his immediate help.

Eli. Doctor Chang grins, the corners of his eyes wrinkling. How can I help you?

I’m looking for a girl, Doc.

Isn’t that most men’s cases? he cuts in, laughing.

I shake my head at his humour.

What’s her name? he questions, stepping into his office and away from watchful eyes.

That’s what I’m here to find out. They brought her in earlier this morning. She was found at the beach with extensive injuries, I explain.

Doctor Chang raises his eyebrows, but, after a second, his eyes flash knowingly.

Mia, he states.

I frown. You know who she is?

No. He shakes his head and sticks his hand in his coat pocket. She had this on her – it’s the only form of ID. He pulls out a heart locket with the curly inscription of mystery girl’s name. It’s a nice name.

I take it you’re the one who found her, Chang states.

I nod.

Follow me, he says without questions.

I walk beside him down the hallway. A lighting fixture flickers when the doctor speaks again.

Honestly, it’s a miracle she’s even alive. She must have been out in the ocean for more than two days. She’s got a mild case of hypothermia, dehydration, starvation and a lot of blood loss. How she even ended up out there, we won’t know until she wakes up, and hopefully she remembers, Doctor Chang explains her condition.

So she’s alive, is what I hear. He opens the door, letting me in first. The girl lies still on the bed, eyes still shut with the slight movement of her chest.

Her memory loss due to her head injury or trauma? I ask him as I take the seat beside her bed.

Eli, it wasn’t major damage, but it’s unsure if she will be affected in any way. She’s had surgery and even if it heals she might not remember due to the trauma she’s endured, which is quite normal in traumatic situations, as you already know.

I nod understandingly.

At this point, her condition is still critical, so she’s under close observation.

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting coming here, but I don’t think it was this exactly.

When will she wake? I ask softly, my eyes on her.

When she is ready to wake, Eli; we’ll have to wait and see, he replies, just as quietly.

All right, Doc.

I settle comfortably into the only chair in the room.

Chang watches me intently, a small smile on his face. Don’t you have something else to do, somewhere else to be?

I sigh. Didn’t you hear? I’m on forced leave. So I have a lot of time on my hands.

He chuckles, eyes showing amusement. Don’t worry the nurses too much, he orders, and then I am left almost alone in the room.

As disturbing as it seems, I watch her sleep in her comatose state and, unlike earlier this morning, she looks peaceful. She really is beautiful.

Who are you? I ask softly in the still room, knowing I’d get no answer.

2

Burn

Mia’s POV

I am in a coffin of dark silence. It is a bursting sense of numbing emptiness; there is no control over myself. The only explanation is that I’m being held by the will of my own mind. If I can just open my eyes, I wouldn’t be in this shadowy dilemma, but my brain won’t follow instructions. I think my eyes are stapled shut. What is wrong with me? I feel fuzzy and, too soon, my energy drains, leaving me drifting away to nothingness.

It feels like years have passed ’til I feel the mist evaporate and suddenly there is a spike of strength in me. I force my eyelids apart and immediately I’m burnt by light. I try again slowly, allowing my sensitive irises to adjust.

Where am I?

I am on a bed in a small white room. There’s a window on my right and a door on my left. I am connected to machines and a sound coming from one in particular gains my attention. The noise increases in my head and the room.

Why am I in a hospital?

I panic. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep-beep-beep-beep announces the heart monitor.

How did I get here? What happened to me? Me – who am I?

Why can’t I remember anything?

I can’t breathe.

The door flings open, revealing two alarmed men. Wide-eyed and fearful, I watch when one approaches me. Judging by his white lab coat and the stethoscope around his neck, he is a doctor. I am shaking when he stands beside my bed. For all I know, I could be kidnapped and this is where they remove my organs.

He smiles kindly and I falter. Hello, I’m Doctor Chang. I’m not going to hurt you. I’ve been waiting for you to wake up for a while now. May I check your vitals?

Though it’s phrased like a request for permission, it’s evident he will still check. With apprehension, I nod.

As the doctor fiddles with the monitors, I take a good look at him. He has black hair and brown eyes with crinkles on the side, is of less than an average height and a small build, his skin is a creamy colour with random freckles and, from the lines on his friendly round face, he is middle aged. His attention reverts to me as he bends and shines a light into my eyes; again, I want to cringe away.

Everything appears well, says Doctor Chang as he steps back. Can you tell me your name?

I part my lips, but I say nothing... for two reasons. Firstly, my throat hurts and the intense burning sensation keeps me from replying, but, most importantly is second – I can’t remember my own name. The doctor notices my pained expression and hands me a glass of water. I smile in thanks and gulp it down, and another one after that.

I... I don’t know, I answer him softly.

How old are you? he asks.

I’m sorry, I don’t know... I repeat dismally. I don’t remember anything at all.

Doctor Chang looks concerned and unsurprised at the same time. He faces the man who was beside him earlier, who still stands in the doorway, silently watching. I settle my gaze on the young stranger. In truth, he is extremely handsome. His athletically strong build takes up half of the door space. His eyes do not move away from my scrutiny; they are too intense for my liking and I am back on edge with the unfamiliar dark-haired man, yet, strangely enough, I do not allow myself to look away.

Doctor Chang clears his throat. This here is Elijah Sparks, he introduces. He’s the one who found you. We’ve been waiting for you to awaken, Mia.

Mia? I question instantly. What do you mean he found me? How long have I been out? And why can’t I remember anything? I sound whiny. Calm down, I order myself. I need answers.

Elijah Sparks steps closer as the doctor explains, Mia is what we believe to be your name. When you were brought in, you had no form of ID besides the locket around your neck with the inscription. You were discovered on the beach in bad shape. It is believed you were out at sea for a couple of days and we are unsure of how you came to be in such a condition and were, in fact, hoping you could tell us, but because of your traumatic experience as well as the bruising to your head – which has healed considerably – you will have difficulty remembering the events.

So even the memory of who I am has been suppressed? I don’t understand why my brain would hide such vital information.

I believe in time you will recover your memory, but I don’t think it will happen right away, Mia. You just have to be patient and try as best as you can to push through the wall.

His words frighten me.

My vision blurs and I lower my head, not wanting them to see.

How could this happen?

I’ll give you some time alone, says Doctor Chang. We’ll be keeping you for a few more days of observation. I’ll send in a nurse to put on some clean bandages for your arm. Try to get some rest, Mia.

He gives Elijah a slight nod and then leaves. For whatever reason, Elijah does not follow. My gaze stays on his sneaker-clad feet, as I can’t bring myself to look into his intense gaze again. His presence is slightly unnerving, especially since he stays silent.

My barely awakened brain feels overloaded with the information of my current situation and again I am overwhelmed. A tear slides down my cheek, and then another and another until it’s all just a soundless stream. I turn away from Elijah’s direction, avoiding his penetrating gaze. I wish he would leave so I can wallow in my misery alone.

Strong footsteps near and the chair moves against the floor. The smell of woodsy spice is beside me, but it’s a warm hand that covers my own that really gets me to face him. The gesture is so sure and easy it feels like he’s done it many times before.

It’s okay to cry, Mia. He speaks for the first time. You’ve been through a lot and no one’s going to think any less of you. His tone is strong, yet gentle. He has somehow got closer than I initially realised and I shift away slightly. He senses my discomfort and moves back, but does not remove his hand from mine.

I take a deep breath, remembering I did not express any gratitude earlier. Thank you for saving me, Elijah.

For the first time, he drops his blank stare and smiles. Please call me Eli, and you’re welcome. I’m glad to see you’re finally awake.

Eli, I say, testing his name on my tongue. How long have I been asleep?

About a week – you had us worried.

A week! I’ve been unconscious for a week! Was I in that bad of a condition?

The rapid beeping of the monitor is hard to ignore as it informs him of the mini freak-out occurring in my mind.

Deep breaths, he orders.

There’s a natural authority in his voice that forces me to listen. I inhale deeply and exhale the panic. Once I relax, we settle into a slightly less uncomfortable atmosphere. I am awkward sitting here, on a hospital bed, with a stranger beside me. I feel as if my body is not my own.

You’ve been here all this time?

He nods.

Why?

There’s nothing else that requires my attention. He shrugs as if words don’t really matter. You probably would like to use the bathroom; it’s right through this door, he says, pointing to the side.

I don’t comment on his change of subject, as I realise how desperately I require the bathroom.

Glancing at the second door in the room, I try sitting up. There is little energy to move my stiff body as the weight of my limbs keeps me down. Eli is quick to notice and, hesitantly, he helps me stand up.

I’m not entirely sure what to think of him just yet. Why would he want to stay here in a hospital? I understand he saved me, but that doesn’t mean he’s obligated to follow up on what has happened. Besides, he must certainly have better things to do.

Carefully, I take a step forward. My insides shake like jelly and my head begins to spin. Eli places an arm around my waist and his other hand grips my elbow. I smile in appreciation and concentrate on moving my wobbly legs. A few more steps and I feel confident enough to move on my own. Before shutting the bathroom door, I turn around.

Thank you again, I express warmly at the strange man before me.

His lips curve up and, with a light in his eyes, he says, No need, Mia.

I shut the door behind me, lock it and shuffle over to take a look in the mirror on the wall. I look like a zombie. Disappointment floods me as I realise I am unrecognisable, not because of how grimy I appear, but because I have no memory of what my appearance should look like in the first place. I lift a hand to my cheek; my skin is unhealthy, pale and dry. I look like I haven’t eaten in a while – which I obviously haven’t. My brown hair hangs dead at my waist and my dark brown orbs appear empty and lifeless.

Looking at my reflection is depressing, so I focus on the small bathroom tiled with blue walls, a tub with a shower head, and a toilet on the opposite side. There are some clothes left in a pile on the sink counter. Lifting the material against me, I’m surprised to see they actually look my size. I wonder who left them here.

I put down the clothes and reach for the taps, then twist them until the water is warm. I undress and get in. Immediately, I feel better under the hot spray; my stiff body slowly uncoils. Though the warm shower is making me relax and I’m removing the dry and peeling skin, I can’t wash away the empty feeling inside me and this time my tears compete with the shower head.

The doctor’s words replay and, like the steam wrapping around me, so does the feeling of loss and loneliness.

Lost at sea?

What if I never remember?

Where will I go now?

I crouch on the tub floor, sobbing, letting salty tears mix with soapy water.

It is when the water cools that I stop and take a ragged breath.

Keep it together, Mia. You have to stay calm.

If only I knew who I am... everything would be easier to handle.

I get out of the shower, dry off and dress. When I walk out of the bathroom, Eli is nowhere in sight. Now that I’m conscious and semi-functioning, he must feel there’s no need to stick around anymore. I settle back into my bed and pull the blanket to my chest. The door opens and in enters a sturdy old lady – the nurse Doctor Chang spoke of earlier – she looks as frightening as a prison warden. I keep silent, giving her a weak smile. She is expressionless as she lays a tray on the high table, then proceeds to grab a bandage from her cart before walking back to me.

Nice to see you’re finally awake, she mumbles, taking my left arm and replacing the old bandage that is a little too wet from my shower.

Thank you, I reply.

She bobs her head. When she’s finished, she hands me a tray of food with a side of pills in a clear plastic cup.

Take those when you’re done; it will help you sleep.

She leaves with her cart.

I eat and then swallow the pills as ordered. It leaves a gagging taste on my tongue. It is not long before I feel drowsy enough for my eyelids to droop. I hear the door open and close again, and then a movement on my left side. I am too exhausted to see who it is, but I cannot help feeling, for the first time since awakening, I am not alone.

3

Have You Told Her Yet?

Mia’s POV

Two days pass since I awakened. Two days of sleeping, and ingesting nauseating medicine and bland food. Things that can only be done in a hospital.

Eli has not returned since the first day and I’m surprised to find myself disappointed. I’d love some company. On a good note, I have a new nurse, and she’s much friendlier than my previous one. I glance at the clock for the fourth time today. She’ll be here any second, I think happily.

The door opens and in saunters Nurse Callie. She has black, curly shoulder-length hair, long legs, light brown skin and warm hazel eyes. Her always-present smile reflects her sweet personality. She’s twenty-one years old, which, according to some confusing tests that Doctor Chang has run over me, is the same age as I am. Nurse Callie and I have grown to be friends, but, unfortunately, I have limited time with her, as she has other patients to attend.

How are you feeling today?

I smile widely. I’ve got a bad case of boredom, I say dramatically.

She laughs.

Seriously, though, I feel perfectly fine, so can I go outside?

She shakes her head and I release a sigh. The doctors still think I should stay in bed to recuperate.

How’s everything out there? Please tell me you have something interesting.

She smiles warmly. Always the eager one for information, and yes, actually, something did happen this morning. Though, I need to take care of your bandage first.

I can’t help it that you’re my only link to the outside world, besides this television here, I say. Not that I actually understand some of the things they’re saying about certain places.

She shakes her head thoughtfully as she starts unwrapping the bandage around my arm. You really know how to make someone feel guilty – well, looks like you’re all healed up, Mia. Unfortunately, you’re going to have a scar.

I twist my arm and turn my neck to take a look. The scar is thin and runs eight centimetres long between my shoulder and elbow. It does stand out, but I’m surprisingly okay with it.

So, weren’t you just begging for some crazy story? ’Cause if not, I could keep it to myself, Callie says in an attempt to distract me.

I playfully glare at her, motioning with my hands for her to go on.

I wish you were there to see it, she says with laughter in her voice.

Tell me, I plea.

She sits on the edge of the bed. This morning, we had this old lady come in. She looked like your typical sweet cookie-making grandma. So she walks in complaining that her leg was troubling her and Doctor Bahee was the one overseeing the clinic. He asked her to lie down and she did so willingly, then he tells her he’ll have to examine her leg and if she could just lift her skirt a bit so he can see, which is normal. The old lady starts screaming and cussing, calling the doc a pervert, and she doesn’t want anyone touching her. So, Doctor Peterson tries to calm her down and lightly touched her on the arm, which caused her to start screeching some colourful words. Callie smirks. Then she pulls out a rolled newspaper from her bag and beats him repeatedly!

We laugh loudly, slightly appalled.

Callie gasps, catching her breath. Wait! That’s not the best part. While we’re all just watching this, Doctor Chang goes to assist Doctor Bahee and, instead, the old lady smacks him right across the face! He was so red! Callie exclaims, jaw dropping. Who would have thought newspaper would be such a good weapon? She shakes her head. It was hilarious, watching two grown men get beaten by an old lady.

I imagine it and it’s positively entertaining. We are laughing again when the door opens, revealing Doctor Chang. At the sight of his expression, I fall into a fit of giggles. His eyebrows rise in amusement.

I can hear the laughter down the hall, but I have no doubt Nurse Callie has filled you in on our eventful morning. He tries to hide his smile, but fails. It’s good to hear you laughing, Mia.

It feels good to laugh, Doc.

Callie glances at her watch. I should be heading home now, she informs us. See you tomorrow, Mia; goodnight. She hugs me and leaves.

My attention snaps to Doctor Chang taking a seat in the beige chair beside the bed. The playful atmosphere is replaced by seriousness, so I wait patiently for him to speak.

There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, he finally says.

What is it?

Besides your memory, you’ve completely recovered and healed and, for that reason, the hospital has decided to release you tomorrow.

I hold my breath.

Because of your condition, I’ve tried to arrange somewhere for you to stay and I hope you’ll accept or at least consider my proposal, until we know more about your background. He pauses.

How will I live in a place I don’t know?

So far, we haven’t had reports of a missing girl who matches your description and our town is of a medium size, so we would have heard something or the other by now, he says.

I open my mouth, but no sound comes out. I have no words. I don’t know anyone. I don’t know where I’m from, if I have a family or what’s my full name. So how will I function in the world?

The door opens and closes, but I don’t bother looking up at the new arrival.

A throat clears. Have you told her yet? Eli, I recognise immediately, says from where he suddenly stands.

My gaze meets his and he watches me in the same manner as when we first met – analysing. Perhaps that’s just his thing. His stare makes me self-conscious, so I turn my attention back to the doctor, who replies, I haven’t got to that yet.

There’s more? I ask, frightened by the prospect.

Yes, you still need to come in for a few check-ups to see how things are going. Regarding a place to stay after being released, we were thinking... well, Eli and I have discussed it and, instead of Housing for Women, we thought it would be better and more comfortable if you lived with Eli. His words effectively leave the room in silence.

He wants me to stay with him... has he lost his mind? I don’t even know him.

Mia? Doctor Chang asks, edging closer to me in his seat. He settles a comforting hand on mine. What do you think?

Ignoring Eli standing there, I look the doctor straight in the eye and reply, "I really don’t know what to think. I mean, he’s a complete stranger. I glance at an impassive Eli and add, I do appreciate you saving me and everything else, but living with you is something else entirely."

I understand. I just thought that you would prefer it instead of staying with so many other unknown people, says Eli earnestly.

Doctor Chang stands and heads to the door. Why don’t you just think about it and let me know in the morning, so I can make the arrangements. You’ll be released tomorrow afternoon, he says, Goodnight. He closes the door behind him, and not more than a minute passes before Eli takes the chair.

What does he want now? I just told him I won’t stay with him. Usually, men leave after a rejection... right? I know I wanted company, but that was earlier; right now, I want time to prepare myself to be leaving tomorrow.

Would you like to play a game? he asks light-heartedly.

What kind of game? I ask sceptically. I don’t see any cards or board games lying around.

Twenty questions, he explains. There’s a glint in his eye – determination?

Okay.

Think of it as getting to know each other better, he says. I’ll go first. Why won’t you stay with me?

This question is straight to the point; not what I was expecting. His head tilts to the side, regarding me, taking in my expression.

My answer, however, is obvious; I don’t know him. I don’t know anyone.

You’re a stranger to me, Eli – kind, but still unknown – it’s as simple as that, because for all I know you could secretly be a crazy person who kills people.

He laughs. Loud and full of heart.

It’s an unexpected reaction to my words and I sit, unmoving, waiting for him to stop.

I’m sorry, he finally says, breathing unevenly. "I can assure you, I’m not crazy, Mia. He smiles. It’s your turn to ask a question."

Since he has asked such an important one, perhaps I should ask something as equivalent too, I think.

Why are you helping me?

His forehead creases and I have an urge to place my fingers there to flatten it out. It’s odd seeing anything but his blank stare. I must be crazy.

I want to help you, Mia. It’s the right thing to do and I want to see you safe.

That’s... really nice of him. What do I say to that?

So this... I motion between us. This is you being a good citizen.

No, he says quickly, Honestly, I’m not completely sure, but I feel like I need to do this. Besides, Mia, I have the time and my house is spacious enough. He pauses. What’s your favourite colour?

I smile. Here I assumed we were skipping the easy questions. What’s my favourite colour? I repeat. Realisation smacks me in the face when I don’t know the answer. I don’t even remember something as simple as that?

Well, that’s just great, I think sarcastically.

Eli looks surprised too. Am I that easy to read?

I’m sorry; I didn’t think–

It’s okay, I cut him off.

Well, you can always ask me questions. And if you like you can guess some things of your own, he suggests.

That sounds good, I agree. I like baby pink. Yours would be?

He shrugs. Green.

Isn’t there something more important for you to do on a Saturday night? I ask.

No. He smirks. He must be lying....

"You have absolutely nothing?" Doubt rings in my voice.

He raises his hand playfully. All right, I did have a family dinner. However, I didn’t particularly feel like attending. I thought you’d much rather like the company instead.

Why wouldn’t you want to see them?

My family are a nosey bunch, he answers brazenly. I’ve been avoiding them.

Oh, what, are you keeping a secret?

He smirks. You.

I frown and push it to the side. What is your family like?

He chuckles. My parents are thoughtful, supportive and headstrong. I have one sibling two years younger than myself, so, twenty-two years old.

Do you live alone?

Yes and no. I have a housekeeper; she’s more like family to me. She shows up a few hours a day.

What do you do for a living?

He stills in his seat and I realise I’m bombarding him with questions, maybe even stepping over the line.

I’m an officer of the law, Mia. My brother and I work for my father.

His answer is revealing. I understand his ‘help the world’ personality now. He might just be a good person after all.

I stifle a yawn and hold myself from stretching. It’s 10pm now.

It’s late, I mumble, and I’m sure visiting hours were over long ago. Why wasn’t he chased away like everyone else?

It is, but it doesn’t matter when you know the good doctor, teases Eli. "I’m