Hope Striders: Changing the Future’s Past

By Ellyssa Muniz

In this time, readers want to get lost in a world that they can itemize enough to feel a personal connection to. Kay is at the age where she struggles to find her purpose in life but wants to make a mark in the world. She is dealt with loss, hard decisions, conflicts, and news that change the way she looks at life. We have at least once, if not all, confronted one of those battles at some point in our lives. This novel commemorates the way she overcomes fear and doubt, and changes them into a slow-building courage and bravery, all while adding a little bit of romance, action, and humor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664151192

Ellyssa Muniz

Ellyssa Muniz is excited to release her second book to her series Hope Striders. She has been overwhelmed with the support she has been receiving through the course of her release of her first book, Hope Striders: A New Beginnings End. She’s currently writing the third book and looks forward to hearing back from her readers. Ellyssa is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in social psychology at Southeastern University and continues to stay headstrong in her faith to drive on the force by giving God all the glory in all of her endeavors.

Book preview

Copyright © 2021 by Ellyssa Muniz.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 01/08/2021

Xlibris

844-714-8691

www.Xlibris.com

815218

Contents

CH1

CH2

CH3

CH4

CH5

CH6

CH7

CH8

CH9

CH10

CH11

CH12

CH13

CH14

CH15

CH16

CH17

CH18

CH19

CH20

CH21

CH22

CH23

CH24

CH25

CH26

CH27

CH28

CH29

CH30

CH31

CH32

CH33

CH34

CH35

CH36

CH37

CH38

CH39

CH40

CH41

CH42

CH43

CH44

CH45

CH46

CH47

CH48

CH49

CH50

CH51

CH52

CH53

CH54

CH55

CH56

CH57

CH58

CH59

CH60

CH61

CH62

CH63

CH64

EPILOGUE

LETTER TO MY READERS

This book is

dedicated to my readers!

Because honestly, you guys are the best!

CH1

Grabbing her small hand was instinct. I couldn’t let her get hurt. I couldn’t let her die. But if I knew what was going to happen when I did, I might’ve thought otherwise. Not because I would ever wish death upon anyone. Never. But to go through this all over again was by far the worst thing I could ever experience.

Or should I say re-experience?

When I grabbed on to those tight-gripping fingers, a sturdy wind whipped my hair across my face. It almost felt like the stomach-drop feeling when you plummet instantly toward the ground and your insides somehow find its way to your head. When everything halted, I wanted to throw up.

My head was one of the many things that felt detached from my body. I knew I was lying on the ground, but I felt like I was still falling. My hands were swollen and numb, but I could still feel the rough gravel underneath my fingers. My vision didn’t make any sense to me, so it was hard to trust what I was even seeing. I pushed up with whatever strength my muscles allowed me to maneuver myself to my side.

Same two questions ran through my head; where was I, and what happened?

I moaned under my uncovered voice as I realized the cool smoke coming from my breath. When did it get cold? Why wasn’t I feeling it? My eyelids lifted slowly, and the limited lights that illuminated the streets blazed across my irises, forcing my eyelids back down. I raised my hand to my face, but a sharp pain came to my side. It only took that acute agony to ignite my brain to the rest of the soreness that lingered across my limbs. I cried in response as I turned my body on my stomach. I placed my hands flat to the ground and lifted myself up to my knees.

Tears fell down my cheeks, unsure of the reason just yet. I knew I was in pain, but I hadn’t recovered on the why part. I tried to open my eyes, but this time in a slower pace. My eyes adjusted like I hoped, but it was still too bright for my eyes to stay open until they needed to retreat to its sanctuary behind my eyelids. I narrowed my eyes in confusion as my vision revealed small shops that were insanely lit with people. Where was I? And why did I feel like I’ve been here before?

I looked down and lifted my hands closer to my face to see the crimson color immersed within the creases of my palm and fingers. I looked at my clothes and saw the rest of it stained with blood; I had no idea how it got there. What happened to me? Whose blood is this? My heart pumped hard and fast. My bottom lip quivered as my head looked to the left and to the right. I mouthed the word help, but I couldn’t hear my voice. I tried again and whispered, Help. No one listened. I pushed one leg up and then let my weight travel to the next leg as I lifted it up to a stance. I wobbled to the side before I took my first step, and that alone almost took me back down to the ground. Help, I whispered again. The tears fell faster, and the sting from the cuts on my face made me moan. What happened to me? I took another step forward, and I pushed with all my might, Help. This time, I heard my voice. Help me. I took another step forward again. Help me! I cried as tears came down my face. My chest rose and fell more intensely. Someone, please help!

A couple heading in my direction crossed the street with a faster stride toward me. They were wearing clothes that seemed proper for the weather. I looked back down at myself and saw that I wasn’t wearing anything that would protect me from this cold. The lady was older and seemed concerned for my well-being. The man that was with her mirrored her response as he looked around for any reason I looked the way I did. I saw her mouth something, but I didn’t hear her. Was I deaf? I couldn’t be. I heard my voice just moments ago. I thought hard; I did, didn’t I? I took another step forward, and I almost fell into the lady. The man that was with her quickly grabbed me from toppling over. He, too, mouthed words that I couldn’t seem to understand. What was wrong with me? Help me, I said. They looked at each other and moved their mouths fast. I couldn’t tell what they were saying. I was never great at lipreading, but then again, I couldn’t even remember my name.

What was happening to me? Why was this happening? Where am I? Who am I? Question after question piled up into the forefront of my mind, and the fear started kicking in. The people in front of me couldn’t help me. I realized that moments later, as their words hadn’t registered in my eardrums. I cried some more as I pushed against the guy’s grip around my arms. I stumbled back, falling onto my backside. I saw the man move forward quickly, trying to help me up, but I just pushed them away. Leave me alone! I yelled, but even though my voice didn’t register to my ears, something about what I said made the couple back off. They were startled. They looked at each other in concern and then hurried off. I pushed myself back before I lifted myself up on my feet. I turned and limped in the other direction. If they couldn’t help me, then I’d find someone who could. But first things first, I had to figure out why I couldn’t hear anything. Why couldn’t I feel the cold like the couple? The only thing I understood was the clear pain that radiated throughout my body.

I pushed off again and took another step. It was clear I was hurt, and I’ll find out the answer to that question, but to keep going, I needed to deal with one thing at a time. I limped over to the other side of the street and walked along the sidewalk. It was evident that people observed me from the side. I believe a few people stopped to ask me if I was okay, but I didn’t hear them. I just kept walking until I had to stop. I watched as a family walked out of an ice cream shop with their waffle cones. I saw them laughing and smiling as they walked ahead of me. I cocked my head to the side. They looked familiar, but I couldn’t seem to understand why. I limped over until I was in front of the shop. I looked inside and noticed there were a few tables that were occupied by different people. Some were families, others looked like they were on dates, but there was one person that made me step forward, closer to the window.

There was a man sitting at a table by himself. He didn’t have ice cream or hot chocolate. He was alone and vacant with any of the products that the customers had. He had black hair, some of which covered his face. When he looked up and found my gaze, I stumbled back in fear. Something about his face made my heart stop, made the hair on my neck stand up. I didn’t know why because I didn’t recognize him. Something in my brain told me to run. The man smiled as he lifted his hand up and moved his fingers in a sadistic wave.

I screamed.

Nothing I heard, but enough for everyone to hear. Everyone stopped and looked at me. I couldn’t seem to care about anyone else because the man that evoked fear in my heart was still staring at me. I stepped back and almost fell off the curb. Thankfully, I caught myself. When the man stood up from his seat and his face changed in a malicious expression, I turned and ran, not thinking I was heading right into oncoming traffic. I stopped halfway when I heard a small sound. I was so fascinated by the noise that I couldn’t move. I turned my head, and the sound got louder as the head lights got brighter. The noise of the horn blew out my ears before the front of the car struck me, and my body flew over and rolled across the hood and into the windshield.

*     *     *

Beep . . . Beep . . . Beep.

The sound found its way into my head till I found my eyes lifting to the reality I was in. I closed my eyelids and then opened them back up with more force. My vision slowly found the clarity of the room. There was a TV on the wall and a small window on my left side. I could see the end of the bed I was in and the door on my right that was slightly ajar. I tried to swallow, but I ended up coughing from the dryness. When I released that breath, I couldn’t feel anything. I tried to move my neck to get a better view of where I was, but I couldn’t move. My neck was braced with a strong structure to keep me static in my position. I tried to push my eyes farther to the right, hoping to find more information of where I was, but it only took one image to realize the hard truth. I saw the IV drip as the machine mirrored the sound of my heartbeat. A tear fell down my cheek. Help, I tried to say, but it only came out in a breath. I tried to say it again with more voice, but barely anything was recognizable.

Just when I thought all hope was gone, the door to my room opened up, and a nurse entered with a clipboard in her left hand. She had her hair up in a ponytail with an athletic band wrapped around the beginning of her hairline. She looked sweet when she smiled at me. Something about her seemed familiar, but there was nothing I could reference. Hey, you’re up, she started. How are you feeling today? She asked me the question, but she kept her focus on my IV and my chart. She eyed me again as she lifted her fingers on my wrist. She narrowed her eyes in sadness. Can you hear me? I nodded once. Her smile grew. That’s good. She lifted a cup from the side table and placed it near my mouth where the straw tipped over for me to sip. You must be thirsty. She aimed the straw closer so my lips were touching the edge of it. Go ahead, she said gently. I didn’t know who she was, but something told me to trust her. I lifted my mouth so I could take in a good amount of water, but when it touched my throat, I started coughing again. I clenched my eyelids tight, finally feeling the glimpse of something familiar.

Pain.

She quickly went to my IV and started messing with it. There, she said. That should help. When she was done fiddling with it, she looked at me and smiled again. You’re doing great. You’ve been healing exponentially. Faster than I’ve ever seen any of my patients.

I opened my mouth. Where— I stopped short as the saliva found the comfortability to go down my throat. Where am I?

You’re at a hospital. She pulled a rolling chair closer to the side of the bed and sat down.

Why? I whispered.

She looked away for a moment, undoubtedly preparing herself to tell me some bad news. You were in a car accident. Car accident? I don’t remember ever being in a car. People say they saw you walk into oncoming traffic.

The hoarseness of my voice continued. I don’t remember that.

She nodded, expecting this to happen. It’s common for some amnesia to occur, but it should be temporary. Soon you’ll regain your memories. She patted my forearm and sat up from her seat. She placed my chart at the end of my bed. I’ll check on you in an hour.

Wait. She turned her head. What’s your name?

She smiled. My name’s Sirena.

I nodded. What’s my name?

Her smile faded, and the sadness reappeared on her face before answering, We didn’t find any identification on you. She looked hopeful as her mouth curved upward. So you can be whoever you want to be until you remember. She turned and closed the door behind her.

I could hear someone talking to her outside the door. Can I see her?

No, she’s not ready for visitors.

Is she at least okay?

I’m sorry, sir, how are you connected to her? my nurse questioned.

I’m the one that hit her with my car. I just need to know if she’s okay.

I’m sorry that information is for family only. I can tell you, however, that she’s stable. Aside from that, sir, I’m going to have to ask you to wait in the waiting room. I didn’t hear them continue after that. The silence drew on.

I looked up at the TV and just drowned myself in the nonsense of the shows that were on to avoid any more thinking on my part.

When I woke up the next day, I was greeted with two officers. One was a female, while the other was a male. They both walked in like they were in charge of the place. For some reason, my heart beat faster seeing their uniforms, but I had no reason I could be nervous. The male came off more dominant than the female as he came closer to the foot of the bed and lifted his notebook closer to his face. Good morning, ma’am. I’m Officer Hernandez, and this is Officer Riley. We’re just here to ask you a couple of questions and we’ll be out of your hair. Is that okay? I looked over to the nurse, who smiled gently and nodded for me to cooperate. I looked back at Officer Hernandez and nodded for him to continue. Good. Yesterday, you were seen walking into oncoming traffic. Can you recollect that happening?

I thought hard, and only bits and pieces had come back to me. But the car accident I remembered was different. I was in the car, not on the outside of one. I can’t say that I did. I honestly don’t remember.

Do you recall anything about last night?

I thought hard again, despite the sudden headache that was appearing on the side of my temple. I remember . . . I tightened my lips to a thin line, I remember being afraid.

Afraid of what? Was someone chasing you out into the road?

I shook my head. No, not chasing me. I . . . I don’t remember, I said, giving up the thought that seemed to hide itself from me. I looked back up at the officers, who weren’t convinced. They looked at me like I was guilty.

One more question. Do you remember how you got all of that blood on you prior to the accident?

This question scared me. I didn’t know why I had blood on me. I didn’t remember anything, but this question made me feel guilty. It made me feel like I was hiding something. I don’t remember, I said, not facing their hard gazes.

Okay, that’s enough, Officers, the nurse said to them. She needs rest. Perhaps come back tomorrow. She might remember a bit more then. Her smile wasn’t genuine, mostly irritated. When she closed the door behind them, she sighed heavily. They can be so annoying at times. She smiled. You did great. How are you feeling?

I don’t know. How am I supposed to feel?

She chuckled. Hopefully better.

What’s better?

Her smile faded at the reality of that question. She walked closer to my bed. "I know I’m not supposed to ask this, but . . . do you remember anything?"

I thought again. I remember pain. The kind of pain that’s both physical and emotional. I looked at her with sad eyes. I think someone that I loved died, but I can’t remember.

The nurse swallowed hard. If that’s true, maybe it’s a good thing you’re not feeling that pain. Maybe this is a gift.

I found her eyes. How is this a gift? I questioned tiredly.

Maybe you have to heal physically so your body can be ready to heal emotionally.

Maybe, I concluded. She patted my thigh and headed out the room to leave me back in my thoughts. I lifted the sheets away from my legs and stretched them over the bed. The doctors say that I’m healing at a progressive rate and I should be discharged within the week. The only thing that’s been off the fence is my memory and the fact that no one has come to claim to know me. Maybe this feeling of lost was true. Maybe the only person who knew me was dead.

I looked down at my feet. Standing on them felt good, but there were times where waves of dizziness found me. They scheduled the neck brace to come off tomorrow, which made me feel a little hopeful. It almost made me feel like I was getting back to normal. I tried to be optimistic, thinking of other alternatives to my situation. Maybe the person that I loved is looking for me, and maybe the cops were confused and they didn’t see blood, but paint. Maybe I’m a painter and I got red paint all over me.

I sat on my bed and took a deep breath. I closed my eyes, and a flash of someone’s face came to my mind. I opened my eyes quickly and sat up from the bed. It startled me at how real it was, but it couldn’t be. This person had weird eyes. It didn’t make any sense. A sudden burn came to my side, and I quickly lifted my hospital gown and saw a faded symbol outlined on the side of my torso. I don’t remember ever getting a tattoo, but I hadn’t worried because I couldn’t even remember my name. However, the fear crept in when the outline glowed faintly. I squinted my eyes in disbelief. What is this? It looked like I tried to get rid of the tattoo and now there’s barely a mark left, just a simple outline of it.

I dropped my shirt down and walked over to the door, deciding not to worry too much about it. When I grabbed the handle, another flash scraped across my mind, pushing me to the floor in fear. This time, it was an image of me holding on to someone’s hand and letting him fall to his death. My breathing picked up as I stared at the entirety of my hospital room. I closed my eyes tight. This isn’t real, I whimpered. This isn’t real. I picked myself up from the cold ground and opened the door wide open. I went out into the hall to find my nurse. When I walked a few steps to the lobby, another flash raced across my mind. This time, it was a little girl yelling my name.

I opened my eyes to see the white tile on the floor. I leaned my back against the wall of the hallway. My nurse rushed over to me, surprised to see me out of my room. Are you okay? What happened?

My name, I breathed out. My heart was racing, and my eyes couldn’t focus. My nurse found my chin so I could find her eyes. My name’s Kay.

CH2

Do you have a last name to go with that? Officer Hernandez asked.

I’m not sure. I just remember someone calling my name. I don’t remember them saying anything else.

Officers, my nurse breathed heavily with a half-upturned smile, I think we should call it a win that she even knows her name. That means you guys are one step closer to knowing more of the truth. Now, it’s time for Kay’s medication if you don’t mind. The officers nodded and walked out of the room.

Sorry about that. The moment the news broke out that you remembered your name, there they were at the desk asking for you.

That’s okay. I sighed.

She smiled as she pulled up the rolling chair. So how does it feel remembering your own name?

Good. I smiled. I know it’s mine. It just feels right.

You said someone was calling you. Was that the person you loved?

I shook my head, remembering the memory. No. She was a young girl. She was stretching her hand out for me to take.

Oh, yeah? She leaned in closer as she crossed one leg over the other. And did you?

I looked at her intrigued eyes. Did I what?

Did you take her hand?

I thought hard to remember the next part of the memory. I think so.

The nurse smiled. Cool. She slapped her thighs before she lifted herself up from the chair. You always make my shifts interesting. I’ll check on you in a few hours. Get some more rest, Kay.

I smiled at her as she closed the door behind her. I took the two pills that awaited me on the side table of my bed. I knew the sudden need for sleep would hit me soon, but for once I wasn’t scared to go under. I was happy because I was one step closer to finding out who I was. Knowing my name was just the beginning.

I let my mind wander off in a deep sleep.

When I woke up, there was someone yelling. I couldn’t make it out, but something was telling me to find out. I quickly got out of bed and opened the door to my room. When I took a step into what I thought was the hallway, I ended up being at the top of the roof. I looked around, unsure of how I got there. Something from the corner of my eye caught my attention. There were hands hanging on the edge of the building. Without hesitation, I ran toward them and quickly grabbed hold of his arm before it was too late. His weight was eminent the moment I held it in my arms. I looked at this guy’s face, and something told me I knew him somehow. Hold on! I yelled, trying to position myself to get a better grip to pull him over. The metal piece that was underneath my arms creaked backward toward him.

Fear settled in.

I tried not to move, but the metal piece creaked again. I swallowed hard as I prayed what I thought was about to happen wouldn’t come to past, but it did. The metal piece broke under me and it fell forward, pushing me with it. As my body slid forward, my foot got caught into a thick metal wire that was sticking out from the roof.

I tried to pull him up, but nothing was working. I could feel his grip on mine loosen, so it was only what little strength I had left was holding him up. I tried to use my other hand to hold on to his weight so he wouldn’t fall, but I could feel myself failing. I found my gaze on this guy who was smiling slightly and mouthed the words I love you. I was confused at first, but I quickly chucked it up and kept myself focused. Don’t you dare let go! I yelled.

If I don’t, you’ll die, he said.

We will think of something, I promise. Just hold on a little longer, okay? I looked to the side, but not much of my vision could see anything. Help! I hoped my nurse would hear me. Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt the sweat between our hands perspire. He was slipping away from me. I knew then that this man I was holding was the love of my life, and he was going to die. Please, I whispered as the tears rolled down my face. I need you to be strong. Don’t let go of me. I can’t lose you too. I just can’t.

He whispered, I love you, Kay, and let his grip loosen so I could no longer hold him on my own.

No! My eyes widened as my heart dropped as I watched him fall deeper and deeper until he faded completely out of view. Noah! My voice echoed. I jumped out of my bed in a frenzy and started crying. I remember, I whispered. My Noah, I placed my face in my hands and cried. I remembered it. I remembered it all. My family died. They all died but me.

I cried heavily, and the tears wouldn’t stop. Every memory of them hit me tenfold. The nurse was right. The gift of not knowing was better than the pain of reliving the reality of them being gone. My chest tightened as the pain of their memory surfaced. I fell to the ground, unable to hold myself up. No! I yelled, incapable to accept my fate.

The door to my room flew open, and the nurse’s face showed fear as the lights flickered and then burst with a bright light to finalize its life. The nurse came to help me get out of harm’s way, but I couldn’t move. I cried more and louder as their faces planted itself within the forefront of my mind. Kay, what’s wrong? I heard her say.

It hurts! I yelled. It hurts! Please make it stop!

What’s hurting? Kay, you have to relax and speak to me. I couldn’t communicate with her like she wanted; my body was hyperventilating. I couldn’t function. The memories were too hard for me to handle. She understood that and ran out of the room only to come back a few seconds later with a needle. I wanted it. I needed the pain to end. Reflexively, I stretched out my hand for her to subside the pain, but something else happened.

Someone came in the room behind her, and my eyes widened. Tom? I asked, seeing his face with absolute fear.

The nurse looked confused as she looked at Tom and then back at me. You know this man? I nodded my head. You remember seeing this man hit you?

My eyes widened, unsure of what was going on. What was real and what was my figment of my imagination were intertwining with my reality. I tried to stand up, but I fumbled into the nurse. When I looked at her, Serenity’s face appeared. Serenity? I mumbled. She tried to balance me as she tried to administer the needle, but a flash of Elias breaking Ryan’s neck hit me so hard that it pushed me into the wall. Stop! I yelled. I didn’t know who I was talking to, but it was the only thing I could muster. Please make it stop! I felt the floor and the walls rumble around me as the lights in the hallway burst. First, there was a pinch and then a blanket of darkness pulling me over.

When I woke up, I had four officers around my bed. Alongside them was my nurse and my doctor. They watched me wake up. Some looked fearful, while the others looked concerned. My nurse, who wore Serenity’s face, was one of those people who seemed like she genuinely cared for my well-being. As my vision cleared, I noticed a few construction workers in the hall fixing the lights above. I couldn’t remember much of what happened last night. But I knew there was something up with everyone around me.

Kay— Serenity started, but the officer lifted his hand up for her to stay silent.

Kay, we have concerns that you may have caused the power outage we had last night.

Power outage? Everything started coming back to me. The nightmare. The memories. Their deaths. My chest tightened again as my eyes glossed over.

Officer Hernandez recognized my uneasy expression. You know what we’re talking about, don’t you? How did you do it?

I remembered it all. I remembered who I was. I remembered what happened, but what I didn’t know was where I was and why Serenity acted like my nurse. I sighed before shifting my gaze over to the officers. I couldn’t let them know. They wouldn’t understand if I told them anything I knew. I remember, I cried. I remember my boyfriend dying. The officers shifted their weights, not expecting me to say that. We were getting chased by this madman, and my boyfriend distracted him so I could get help. That’s when I must’ve ran into oncoming traffic.

I remember that, a voice said from the door. Everyone turned their heads to Tom, who stood at the door staring at me. I saw her yelling for help. I didn’t think she would run into the street last minute. She didn’t see my car, but it was too late for me to stop without hitting her.

Sir, we’re going to have to talk to you outside. And that was the last I saw of the officers for the day. Tom saved me from having them ask more questions, and though I was thankful, I wanted to know what the heck was going on and why he didn’t show up during the fight at the Foundation.

I watched as everyone started trailing behind each other to leave my room. I called over to Serenity in soft tones, but when she turned her attention to me, she shifted her eyes in confusion. She looked back at the last person who left my room before walking over to me. What’s happening? How are you here?

Serenity’s face had never looked so confused. She shifted her footing uncomfortably before she said, Kay, are you feeling all right?

I nodded, unsure why she would ask me that question. Yes.

Then who’s Serenity? My head tipped back, realizing she didn’t have an Australian accent, but I knew who I was talking to. I wasn’t blind. Serenity was standing right in front of me. My name’s Sirena, remember? I’m your nurse.

I looked away, unable to comprehend what was happening. Had I lost my mind, or was everyone playing a trick on me? I shifted my gaze back on her, and she gave me a half-turned smile. Sorry. I must be tired. If she was going to play this game, so will I. But the moment I saw Tom, I’ll demand all the answers.

She nodded as a wave of relief washed over her. She patted my shoulder. It’s okay, no worries. Stay here and get some rest. She looked over her shoulders once before leaving my room completely.

Doctors advised me not to leave the room, and though my instincts said otherwise, I followed. I sat on the edge of my bed, hoping to see Tom again. I knew he’d be back. I just didn’t know when. I knew if I leaved now, I wouldn’t get the answers I needed. I know Sirena was Serenity, but she didn’t believe it herself. Unless she had a twin I wasn’t aware of. Ugh! I slapped the rolling side table away from me in frustration. I lifted my shirt so I could see the faded mark. It was there, but barely. Did that mean Ryan was still alive, or was that how the bond worked when the person you’re bonded with dies?

Just another reminder of what I’d lost.

I knew who I was and what happened, and yet I still felt lost. I dropped my head down in defeat but quickly lifted when the creak of the door notified me someone was coming in. I stood up from the bed when I saw Tom. I watched as he turned to close the door quietly. When he faced me, he looked at me differently. You look good for someone who got hit by a car.

Why did you do that?

He cocked his head slightly to the side in confusion. I didn’t do it on purpose, Miss.

I lifted one eyebrow, Miss? You can stop the charade. No one’s watching.

He narrowed his eyes in confusion. What charade?

Tom, I don’t have time for this. And where the heck have you been?

He lifted his hand up in uncertainty. ‘Where I’ve been? He laughed incredulously. I’ve been out there waiting for you to wake up, to see if you were okay, but now I want to know how you know my name? He waved his hand in the air for me to stop before I even started. Look, I honestly didn’t think there was something wrong with you mentally, but I guess I was wrong. I just came here to make sure you were all right. I knew my car hit you pretty bad, and I just wanted to make sure you knew that I tried my best to stop.

I took a step forward slowly, not ready to believe in his act. You don’t know who I am?

He shook his head. I don’t recall ever meeting you, so, no.

What was happening? I knew who my father was, but for some reason, he didn’t know who his daughter was. Your name’s Tom Wormwood, correct?

He crossed his arms over his chest in defense. How do you know me?

I sat on my bed and placed my hand through my hair in disbelief. What the heck is happening? I said.

Tom came closer to me and knelt down. Look, sweetie, I’m sorry you can’t remember who you are, and I honestly have no idea how you know me, but after that show last night, I think you might have a gift. I eyed him from the side. "Those lights back there didn’t blow out on its own, and I—I’d love to work with you."

I chuckled under my breath in disbelief. You never change, do you?

His head leaned back, unsure of what I was talking about. You already know who I am, but I have no idea who you are.

I looked over at him one more time before I said, My name’s Kay.

He lifted himself up from his crouch and straightened his jacket and glasses. Well, it’s nice to finally meet you. Do you remember your last name, or is it just Kay for now?

I sat up from the bed. Kay for now. I narrowed my eyes as I crossed my arms over my chest. Did you come here alone?

Well, I was the only one in the car at the time. But my wife and I would love to sit down with you to really explore what you can be.

Can be?

His face lit up. My wife and I have been looking for people like you—people who show extraordinary gifts. He lifted his hand to his mouth to think. Maybe the reason you know my name is that you might somehow be a psychic. He looked at me with curious eyes. Have you had any visions like this before? I looked at him unsure how to process this side of Tom. If I was human, I would’ve called the doctors on him. He would’ve definitely been classified as psychotic. Perhaps I’m coming off a little strong. I believe tomorrow is when you’re able to leave. Maybe then we can look into this more.

I didn’t want you to test me then, and I definitely don’t want you to test me now.

I passed him up to head for the door, but I stopped when he said, Then? When did you know me? He came around me so I was facing him. If you know who I am, then do you know who my wife is?

Look, I don’t have time for this. I need to find Elias and stop him from doing any more damage, and I’m even more surprised you let Lisa get involved in all of this.

Lisa? Elias? He thought hard to himself. Perhaps you’re not psychic. Unless I plan on meeting this people later on. Hmm . . .

What? I said with frustration. I rubbed my hand over my face. I had enough of this.

He tried to get in front of me again. I know this is strange and I’m sure it may seem like I’m crazy, but I’m telling you this world is not ready for people like you, and the way you handled yourself last night tells me you’re going to need all the help you can get in controlling whatever it is. Now, I’m trying to ask you nicely to come with me, but I will—

—Will what? I narrowed my eyes. You can’t help me, Tom. You don’t even know who I am, which makes me think you honestly believe that. And if that’s true, that means Elias is out there doing something even worse than I could ever imagine.

Do you think this Elias kid is gifted like you?

Ugh! I pushed him out of my way and opened the door to my room. When I came out into the hallway, I headed down toward the lobby. I thought Tom would follow, but he was nowhere to be seen.

Just as I was about to turn the corner, I saw Officer Hernandez with his partner surrounding the oval desk with their hands on their waist belt talking to my nurse. She’s one day away from being discharged. You can’t give her twenty-four hours before arresting her?

Sorry, those are my orders.

The nurse sighed heavily and nodded. Room 816.

I quickly curved back around the corner and ran past my door and turned into another room that seemed to be vacant. I closed the door shut and listened intently with my head against the metal frame. I heard their voices talking to one another when they realized I wasn’t in the room. Search the hospital! I heard the officer yell in the hall. I cracked the door to see them both running down the hallway back into the lobby.

I told you I could help. I pivoted to the voice, only to see Tom sitting on the chair next to the hospital bed. He had his leg over the other. He looked up at me and smiled. Last chance.

Leave me alone. I’m not going with you. What you can do is find Liam for me so we can figure this crap out together.

He stood up from the chair slowly and sighed heavily in disappointment, something I familiarized myself with. I don’t know who these people you keep bringing up are, but maybe I’ll find out soon enough. He lifted a gun at me and kept it aimed in place. My eyes widened in fear. You’re coming with me whether you like it or not.

I lifted my hands in surrender. What are you doing?

This could’ve gone a different route.

No, Dad, wait— The shot was silent, but the impact was strong. I looked down at my chest and saw a large dart in the middle of it. I looked at him in shock, but my vision of him blurred, and everything went dark.

*     *     *

Are you sure that’s what she said? A lady asked.

"Dad is not something I would make up. She said it before I tranquilized her. I could hear him sigh heavily. Something’s different about this one. I have a good feeling she may be the key to what’s been happening."

She’s so young. I couldn’t see the lady, but I could feel the worry radiating off of her.

Tom, I don’t think I’m comfortable with all of this. Maybe we should stop and just live our lives out. We’re finally pregnant, and I don’t want this obsession to get the best of us. We have other things to be worrying about. I could feel her smile come across her face as she said, Like raise a beautiful baby girl.

Hun, I know this looks bad, but we’re so close. Don’t you want to know the truth?

What truth? We’ve been uncovering more questions than we have answers. At this point, I just want to live our normal lives. Just like we planned, remember?

I could hear Tom sigh. Fine. She’ll be the last one. I’ll ask my questions and then that’s it. If she doesn’t have anything to give to us that pertains to it, then I’ll call it quits. I could hear them kiss and then the sound of clothes rubbing against each other; probably a hug.

I lifted my head up as much as I could as the weight became eminent. My throat was sore and dry, but my body ached as if it was thrown around like a rag doll. The blindfold over my eyes was noticeable, seeing that there were specks of light coming through it.

I felt a few fingers near my ear before the blindfold was torn off my face. The light in the basement-like room impeded my vision; the reflex to look away was inescapable. When my eyes adapted, I could see Tom sitting in front of me, obstructing the scene of my captivity. He placed his hands deep into his pockets as he continued to stare at me. I shifted my eyes to the closed door on the left that was slightly elevated from the few steps it took to get there. I breathed in to calm my nerves and absorbed where I was. A lamp hanging from the ceiling was the only source of light. The door on my left was the only source of escape. There was nothing around me that seemed worthy to use as a weapon. The only thing around this small compartmentalize structure of a prison was shelves that held books, jars, test tubes, beakers, and anything else that would’ve belonged in a lab. I found my eyes floating back to Tom, who continued to watch me intently. I held his stare, not afraid to face him. I knew who this was, but he claimed to not know me. Now, that could either mean two things. One, he’s lying, an option that I’m mostly leaning on; or, two, something went wrong when I passed out.

I saw him shift in his seat, but his eyes held mine. The sound of the lamp hanging loosely from the ceiling swayed back and forth in a rhythmic pattern, creating a subtle creak underneath the silence. If I could somehow take the light source out, it’ll leave me with an advantage.

I watched him softly smirk as his head slightly cocked his head to the left. What was he thinking about? And why was it amusing? The breeze on my face took my attention away. I shifted my eyes toward where it was coming from, but there were more shadows than there was light. If there was a breeze, then that meant there was a . . . I smiled. The beautiful sound of an air vent. And by the toughness of it, I could only guess it was big enough for a body of my stature to fit through. I shifted my eyes back over to Tom, but he wasn’t there. My eyes widened.

He was gone.

My lip lifted into a snarl. How could I be so stupid? I knew better to monitor him. I looked around to see where he was, but he wasn’t to be found. How could I not hear him move? Looking for me? a voice said from behind my back. I looked up to see Tom hovering around me from behind. He walked around the chair with his hands behind his back. His eyes were still glued on mine. That’s when it clicked.

He was studying me.

I watched him sit back down and place one leg over the other with his hands intertwined with each other, nonchalantly stationed on his uplifted knee. He didn’t say anything, and it was frustrating me. I refused to open my mouth first. I saw him lift the side of his lips into a grin as he tapped his foot up and down. I shifted my eyes from his foot to his face to see him squinting at me. What could he possibly be getting out of this? I knew my father was strategic in everything he did, but this method I was foreign to.

My ears flickered to attention when the sound of water dripping came from behind me. I refused to look away from Tom. I wouldn’t make that mistake again. So . . . His voice startled me into attention. I looked at him more intently as I waited for him to say something else, but nothing came after that brief word. What was he doing? My nerves quickened as my anxiety picked up. The sound of the lamp creaked louder, and the air vent to my right rumbled gaudier as the dripping behind me became persistent. They each ravaged to get my attention, but I refused to focus on either of them while my sole focus was on Tom. I could see him emphasizing the tapping of his foot more aggressively. What was he trying to do? Annoy me? My heartbeat raced on, but I was unsure why. I took another deep breath to slow it down, but it required me to repeat myself. My eyes widened as my chest heaved in the pace of Tom’s tapping foot. I shifted my eyes over to him as his smile enlarged. He kept his foot tapping in a rhythm that matched my breathing pattern. What was he doing to me, and why couldn’t I stop? His foot suddenly lifted but never came down. That’s when my lungs closed. I couldn’t breathe. I tried to exhale, but nothing was working. There were black spots that emerged in my vision before I passed out.

When I woke up, I lifted my head slowly as the ache of my stiff neck was scarcely tolerable. I did a quick roll of my head before finding myself looking forward. Tom wasn’t there, and neither was the chair. My hands were still tied behind me, and my ankles were still attached to the chair legs. I slouched, taking the scene in again, feeling the subtle breeze behind my back. My hospital gown only covered so much, but that wasn’t on the forefront of my mind. Tom was, and now that he wasn’t here, I could focus on my escape.

The room was more visible now that Tom wasn’t blocking my vision. Everything stayed in place; the only thing that was different was the large metal counter farther down. What worried me were the straps embedded within the table. Two for the wrists and two for the ankles. He was going to probe me like a lab rat.

I flinched when I saw Tom come around me. How long was he standing there? He dragged his chair behind him until he was back in front of me. I watched him lift his leg over the other like before and started tapping his foot again. Stop, I said firmly, already feeling my heart race.

Tom listened and dropped his leg from the other. He leaned forward as he propped his elbows on his knees. You are special, he whispered.

I glared at him. Let me out of here.

He leaned back into his seat nonchalantly as if my demand was a waste of time. You differ from the others.

My eyes widened. Others? What others?

You’re not my first test subject.

I rolled my eyes. Will you stop this? You can’t do this to people. I leaned forward. This is against the law.

Tom nodded. Yes, it is. It’s against the law for someone to create people like you. He closed his mouth abruptly, as if his anger somehow gave out too much information.

I whispered, People like me? I looked down in thought. What’s happening? He’s acting like he isn’t like me. I looked up at him with sorrowful eyes. Tom, I need your help.

His eyes glossed over with confusion. Why do you say my name like you know me?

Why don’t you remember me?

He shifted in his seat uncomfortably before I saw his face shift over to someone who was firm and unyielding, I’ve been studying you. Normally it takes but a minute to find what people fear for me to hypnotize them, but you, on the other hand, took me a half an hour.

My skin heated over in anger. You hypnotized me?

He used his hands to press against his thighs before he intertwined them. Normally, the lamp works for a good amount of people I’ve had in here. I’ve only had a few who needed the vent, but I’ve never had anyone reach up to me. He nodded. Are you augmented?

Ugh! I have no idea what you’re talking about.

He slapped his thighs before standing up. What ability were you able to acquire?

I shook my head in defeat. I wasn’t getting to him. Tom, I need you to listen to me. Something is wrong. Elias did something. I don’t know what it is, but I need you to remember me.

He stared at me briefly. Why do you keep sticking to that story? It won’t work.

I shook my head in sorrow. My eyes glazed over. I don’t get it. I don’t know what’s going on. Why isn’t he remembering me? Please, Dad, believe me.

I said stop!

A tear fell down my cheek as I lifted my head to him. Remember me, I whimpered.

That doesn’t work on me.

Remember me, Dad, please! He backhanded me, and my body shifted over to the left, and the legs of the chair followed the momentum. My head slammed against the cold, wet pavement floor.

Tom! A woman’s voice was heard from afar. What are you doing? I could hear her footsteps hurry over to him. My vision blurred for a moment before I could focus back into view.

I saw her.

I saw my mom.

I lifted my head as much as I could. My eyes widened in shock as she looked at me with worry. There she was. My real mom was standing but a few feet away from me. How is this possible? Am I back in my head? I chuckled at the thought. If that was the case, I somehow adapted my mind to be my personal torture chamber.

I watched her rush toward me and lift me and my chair right side up. I could feel the water on the left side of my face follow gravity down my neck and onto my shoulder. She looked at me with concern, and then it shifted quickly into fear and confusion. She took a step back closer to Tom and mumbled, Did you notice that when you saw her? Tom nodded once. She took his chair and came closer to me so that our knees were almost touching. Honey, what’s your name? What did Elias do to bring back my mother? How is it possible that she’s arm’s length from me but I couldn’t even touch her—hug her. My eyes glossed over again before tears came down my face again.

She said her name was Kay.

My mom looked up to Tom before she found my gaze again. For some reason, you somehow know my husband, Tom. Do you know who I am?

I nodded as I whimpered, Yes.

She leaned back with concern. Did someone tell you about us? I shook my head. Honey, how do you know who we are if we’ve never met? I didn’t answer her, but she didn’t seem mad. Do you have a gift? An ability that may seem abnormal to others? I nodded as the tears fell down my cheek. She placed her hand on my knee, and that propelled more tears to fall down. It was her. This was my mom, and she was alive. I let my head hang over my chest and just let my tears fall through. I felt her hand lift my chin up so I could face her caring eyes. Did a scientist named Dr. Ingle give you this gift?

I lifted my head up in confusion. Was this one of Kai’s scientists? Were they giving out serums to random people now? No, I said with concern. The tears faded away, and my mind was focused.

My mom eyed Tom from the side before she found my gaze again. Then how did you get your abilities?

I looked at Tom as he stared back at me, just as curious to find out what my answer was. I straightened myself up on the chair and held his gaze. From him, I said.

My mom shifted in her seat to look at Tom for an explanation. She doesn’t even make sense. I’ve never met you before. I don’t carry anything of that stature to create such a thing.

My mom looked at me once more. Honey, we’re not going to hurt you. We just need the truth.

I scoffed at her words. You want the truth? I leaned as far as I could. He’s my dad and you’re my mom. I got my abilities from the both of you, but neither of you remember me and I don’t understand why.

She took a deep breath in exhaustion. I could tell by their faces they still didn’t believe me. We’ll be back in a few hours. Maybe then you can tell us the truth. She pushed herself up and left with Tom, grabbing his arm and dragging him away.

Ugh! I am telling the truth! I tried to struggle in my chair to get out. I’m your daughter! Mom! It’s me!

There was silence.

I took a deep breath as I leaned my head back. What do I have to do to get them to remember me? I straightened my head forward and sighed. I had to think. I had to get out of here. I looked over to the shelves and saw a few beakers settled there. I hopped with the chair to see what was behind me, but there was no door. There was just a brick wall. I turned my head to see the door still on the far left on the other side. Where did they go if not out the door? My eyebrow lifted briefly before I realized there wasn’t time to think that through. I had to get out of these binds. I hopped as far and as fast as I could to the shelf with the beaker. When I finally got close enough, I hopped backward so my hands were facing the wall. I looked behind me before I slammed the back of my chair into the shelf and the beaker adjusted forward. I sucked my teeth, and I reared my chair back into it again. This time, the beaker fell right into my hand. I used the corner of the shelf to break the beaker in half so I could use the pointed edge to cut through the tape around my wrist. As my hands were at work, I watched the direction my parents disappeared in.

When that subtle relief came, I rubbed around the red mark at the edge of my palms and quickly went to work on the tape around my ankles. As I went hard against the strap, I halted, not because I was free from my binds but because something in the back of my head screamed at me to focus. I looked up to search the room. There wasn’t anything there. I wasn’t sure why I had this bad feeling, but something was telling me to ready myself. I squinted my eyes before I settled into what I thought was my paranoia. I leaned forward and went back to work as the lamp swayed back and forth. I stopped rubbing the tape with the broken glass to look up at the light. It wasn’t creaking anymore. I watched it for a moment as the sound disappeared. I listened to the vent, but the drumming sound was also vacant. I straightened my posture with my attention piqued. I turned to finally see the water that used to be near my chair dripping on the floor. The problem was I didn’t hear it anymore. There wasn’t any noise anywhere.

Only silence.

A shadowed figure appeared only to reveal Noah. My mind swirled with emotions. The most prominent one was the joy of relief. Noah, I whispered. You’re alive. I said with a smile and tears in my eyes.

He came closer and hugged me tight before he smiled. Why are you here?

I shook my head with a shrug. Because it’s me, I guess. I laughed as my tears fell down my cheek. He stood there staring at me, probably shocked as I am to see him. Can you help me with this? I asked him.

Of course. He took the glass from my hand and sliced the tape in two. I was free. I stood up and hugged him again. He didn’t hug me right away. He hesitated at first but then eventually came around and hugged me back.

I leaned away and said, We have to leave.

How did you get here?

I went over to the shelves on the other side of the room to find some kind of weapon that could substitute me from using my powers on my parents. I zoned back into Noah’s voice. Tom, believe it or not, but something is wrong. He doesn’t remember me.

I stopped going through the books and papers in the shelves and realized something. I turned to him as he stared back at me. How are you alive?

He smiled. I never died.

I took a step closer in confusion as I thought of our last moments. But I saw you fall.

Noah smirked in disbelief. Do you want me to be dead?

I shook my head quickly. "No—no, I just don’t believe what’s happening. My mom is alive,