Dr. Melendez put the prescription pad in her pocket. “Whatever can be done to make you comfortable. It’s important to avoid anything that’ll trigger a seizure, so if a jog will help you feel better and keep you calm, then go for it. You’ll have to accommodate for Caleb, but I think having your son around will only help you.”

“Do you think I’ll regain my memories this time?”

“This time?” Amanda said, her words heavy with concern and confusion.

“I like neurology because the brain is incredible,” Dr. Melendez said, undeterred by Gretchen’s phrasing. “It’s the most powerful organ, but the one we understand the least about.”

“Yeah, I know.” Gretchen sighed. “But venture a guess.”

“You’re being rude,” Amanda said in a firm whisper.

“It’s okay,” Dr. Melendez said. “I don’t know. Even the simplest case is unpredictable, and your amnesia is more complex than most. What I do know is that your recovery is miraculous. Your life now should be cherished and lived, regardless of what you’re missing from the past.”

Jax took the sentiment to heart, even if Gretchen appeared to not care at all. “Thank you, Doc.” She reached out to shake Dr. Melendez’s hand before she left.

Dr. Melendez stopped to touch Amanda’s forearm on her way out.

“Between that moment and this getup, I’ll be disappointed if you two don’t date after this,” Jax said, trying to lighten the ominous mood choking her.

Amanda shook her head. “Get over it.”

“Before you two start fighting, let’s talk about tomorrow.” Gretchen’s voice grew in volume. “Amanda, you’re staying with me. I don’t care what plan the two of you came up with behind my back.”

“We haven’t been talking about it,” Jax said defensively. She did not appreciate being accused of something so stupid in the grand scheme of things.

“You don’t want to do it, and nothing good will come of it if you do. Amanda is more than happy to help, and soon enough I won’t even need a babysitter.” Gretchen pulled her cardigan around her and sat back in the bed.

She scrambled for something to say. “That’s not—”

“Just stop. This is for the best. Forget about the familiarity bullshit Dr. Melendez just spewed. I know what’s best for me, and having you there every day isn’t it.”

Jax stepped back, feeling every one of Gretchen’s hurtful words chip away at her heart. Right there, in that moment, she had the clarity she’d lacked months ago to sign the divorce papers. She left the room.

Jax didn’t get far before Amanda called her name. She turned around and said, “Do not ask me to go back in there.”

“I’m sorry, Jax—she didn’t mean it.”