I exhaled, apologized, and with some gentle prodding from Maya, explained about the new flashbacks, the general state of my memory and, most importantly, Lily arriving in Newdale.

“Well, the confusion you’re experiencing sounds completely normal given the circumstances,” Dr. Adler said. “But if you’re concerned, we can run some more blood tests to be sure.”

“I’m fine,” I said, waving a hand. “You already did some.”

“Do you think we should, Dr. Adler?” Maya said, ignoring me, and I suppressed a sigh. “Can we make sure no underlying issue has cropped up since last time? I really think we should, just in case. I can pay, it’s no problem.”

“Absolutely, we can, if you’re in agreement, Ash?”

I was about to protest again when I took in the dark circles under Maya’s eyes and reminded myself how difficult this situation was for her. She’d become a glorified babysitter since she’d been called to the petrol station. Whether she was working in the garage, running errands or at the restaurant, she always worried what I was doing, where I was and if I’d still be there when she came back. With no job and no money, I’d put a financial burden on her, too. The least I could do was let them run some more tests to make sure I really wasn’t sick. I rolled up my sleeve.

“Have at it,” I said.

As Maya excused herself and went to the bathroom, Dr. Adler set about half emptying me as he filled multiple vials with blood. “Try to relax,” he said quietly.

“Maybe you could tell Maya to relax,” I said before holding up my hand. “Sorry. I think my, uh, girlfriend turning up spooked her.”

Dr. Adler swapped out a full vial for another. “I’d imagine you’re a little spooked, too.”

I listened for Maya’s footsteps, and when I heard none, said, “Not exactly. I’m more excited. Anxious. Bewildered. I don’t remember Lily, at least I don’t think so.” I pressed my eyes shut and recalled the bracelet with a heart-shaped charm on her wrist, almost certain I’d seen it before. “I can’t figure out if the bits I remember are real or if it’s because I’m desperate.”

As he withdrew the needle and pressed a cotton ball into the crease of my arm, he said, “I saw in the notes Dr. Soares talked to you about confabulation.”

“The false memory thing? Yeah, she did, and the way I see it, whatever I remember might be my brain making its own epic blockbuster movie.”