“After dinner, I’d do the dishes and tell you to go relax.” Gretchen ignored Amanda’s offer and carried on with her normal-day narrative. A normal day married to Jax. “Then we’d sit on the couch watching HGTV while Caleb screamed, never really knowing whose arms he wanted to be in. But he always ultimately chose you. We’d go to bed, and I’d fall asleep with a smile because I was so happy knowing I’d get up and get to do it all over again.” The room grew eerily silent once Gretchen stopped talking.

Dr. Melendez closed the cover to her iPad. The slapping sound was loud in the tense space. “I recommend whatever can be done to make you comfortable. It’s important for you to avoid anything that could potentially trigger a seizure. So if a jog and a Sprite will do it, do it. You’ll have to accommodate for Caleb, but I think your son will only add to your happiness and recovery.” Dr. Melendez started to make her exit, but Gretchen stopped her.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Absolutely.”

“Do you think I’ll regain my memories? Just your opinion.” Gretchen waited with bated breath for the answer.

Dr. Melendez shook her head and considered the question. “The thing I like most about neurology is how incredible the brain is. It’s the most powerful organ, and the one we understand the least about. When it comes to retrograde amnesia, there’s never any guarantee, which means I don’t have an answer for you. What I can tell you is your recovery is miraculous. Your life now should be cherished and lived, regardless of what you’re missing from your past.”

Gretchen knew she was right, but Dr. Melendez didn’t know what living with a blank space in her head was like. “Thank you.”

“You all take care, and I’ll see you in the morning when we cut this one loose.” Dr. Melendez gave Amanda’s forearm a gentle touch as she passed by.

Jax pointed to Amanda’s arm. “How are you not going to date her after this?”

“I’m not into women, Jax—get over it.”

Gretchen didn’t care about Amanda’s dating life at the moment. “So, what are we going to do? What’s the plan? I’m sure the two of you have been conspiring behind my back ever since Dr. Melendez mentioned my impending dependency a week ago.”

“We have not,” Amanda said.

She waved off what was sure to be an elaborate story to dance around what she knew was true. “I’ve seen the hushed conversations and fights.” She pointed to Jax. “You don’t want to be around me, and even though Amanda is eager to help, that probably makes you feel guilty.”

“That’s not—”

Gretchen wasn’t done. “Don’t feel guilty. I don’t want you around if you don’t want to be there. Yes, you may be the familiarity I need, but this person you are now is not the familiar person I know or want. So I won’t burden you.” Gretchen fell back against her pillow and crossed her arms over her chest. Getting the words out made her feel better for a fraction of a minute, until Jax left the room without a word. Amanda followed her, and Gretchen turned her head to watch them talk just outside the doorway.