Jax knew there was more going on than Amanda was letting on. “Is she okay?”

“She’s fine. Her vitals are where they need to be, and Dr. Melendez feels confident with how quickly she’s healing.”

“But…”

Amanda gave her a look she didn’t recognize. “I’m afraid of her symptoms.”

Her heart started to hammer. Before she could ask Amanda to explain, waving caught her eye. She saw Gretchen holding up a notepad, words written all across it. “You can write!” She rushed over to read what Gretchen had written.

We were just talking about you.

Jax turned to Amanda. “You were talking about me?”

Gretchen tapped at her notepad, regaining Jax’s attention. She wrote quickly and showed Jax the paper.

When did you have time to change your hair?

Jax ran her fingers through her short hair. “I’ve been blond for a while now.” Gretchen stared at her like she was a walking mathematical equation.

Gretchen opened and closed her mouth, her face twisting up in frustration.

“I’m going to get coffee,” Amanda said, standing and leaving without another word.

She sat on the edge of the bed after Gretchen motioned for her to come closer. Gretchen grabbed her left hand and held it tightly. Jax felt uncomfortable in the moment. She pulled her hand back. “What else did Dr. Melendez have to say?”

Gretchen let out a long sigh and wrote aggressively.

You know. You already know all of this. Why are you asking me?

Jax read the note and felt thoroughly confused. “What do you mean I already know? Oh, right, she went over your injuries. I know, I was pretty freaked out when I found out they drilled a hole in your skull.” Jax shuddered. “But your vitals improved immediately after, so as scary as it was…” Her curiosity was piqued when she saw a few words on Gretchen’s paper. She took the notebook and started flipping through the pages. Gretchen talked about last week and Jax leaving. “Are you starting to remember?”

Gretchen snatched the pad back. Tears were in her eyes as she scribbled words.

I remember all of this. I remember you sitting here, and I remember talking about the doctor. I remember this conversation.

Jax looked between the written words and Gretchen. She stood and backed away from the bed. “You remember this? Like today?” She wasn’t even sure what that meant. “That’s good. That means your short-term memory is okay.”

Gretchen shook her head. “Pens…and more pads.” She kept writing.

“You want another pad? I can stop at the store and get you one. I’ll get you gel pens, too. I know how you prefer those.”

Gretchen held up her paper, tears streaming down her face.

I’m scared, Jax. I don’t know what’s happening to me. Please don’t leave.