He chuckled. “Not necessarily, and again, as a family doctor this isn’t my area of expertise, but from what I’ve read, I suspect Lily being here is an opportunity. She may be able to help you reconstruct your more recent history and be instrumental in unlocking your past. I’d advise you to spend time with her, if you feel comfortable doing so, and if it doesn’t cause you stress. It could be of great benefit.”

I nodded, more excitement building in my chest. “I think I’d like that,” I said, and as I pictured Lily, a sense of calm seemed to gradually wrap itself around me, making my heart rate slow. “And I’ve been thinking about working, too, doing some projects around the house.”

“I can imagine boredom is beginning to set in, but you have to take your time and listen to your body. Your accident wasn’t long ago, and you still need plenty of rest. You can do the odd job here or there, but build up slowly, and if any of your symptoms get worse, ease off immediately.”

I was about to argue I’d be fine when I heard a creak outside the door. I closed my mouth, didn’t want Maya to hear Dr. Adler repeat the fact he thought I should take it easy. She was protective...and a little intense if I was being completely honest. Sometimes I’d find her standing in the doorway observing me, and more than once her doing so had weirded me out. I knew it was strange for her, having me—most of me—back here, and it couldn’t be easy for her. One moment I was vulnerable yet angry, the next apologetic yet ungrateful, and consistently argumentative when she told me my recollections were off. Not a fantastic combination for her to put up with. Plus, I was her older brother. As far as I was concerned, and old-fashioned as it sounded, I was supposed to look after her, not the other way around, even if Maya was perfectly capable of taking care of the both of us.

I looked up as she stepped into the room. She smiled and pointed at the neatly aligned row of blood-filled vials. “Jeez, Ash, you’re completely hollow.”

I forced a laugh that sounded false even to me, and after finishing up with Dr. Adler, who promised he’d call me with the results in a few days despite his going to Mexico on holiday, we thanked him and left. It was almost three by the time we’d stopped off at the grocery store and got back home, but ever since we’d left the doctor’s office, Maya had hardly said a word.

“Are you all right?” I said as we finished unpacking the groceries.