Page 69 of A Coffee Away

When the door closed, the doctor stayed. “Roberto. Can I call you that?”

I nodded, but nothing made sense.

The machine beeped wildly as she sat beside me. “You had an accident and suffered severe head trauma, which caused your brain to, in a way, disconnect from your consciousness. There was nothing we could do but wait, and judging by your mother’s reaction, it appears you’ve lost some memories. I don’t know to what extent. That’s something your parents need to figure out, but we’re hoping it will come back eventually.”

My brain was running wild. Not only was I in a coma for three months, but I also lost part of my life. Memories.

Dr. Echevarría hugged my record to her chest. “My advice is not to push it. The more you try to remember, the more stressed you’ll become, and the harder it will get. The best thing you can do is continue with your life normally and let the memories come back. But you must be patient.”

“So what you’re saying is…” My voice shook. “I have amnesia?”

“I’m sorry.” She tapped my shoulder. “For now, let’s try to get you walking and help your body heal.”

I touched my left ring finger. I don’t know why I did it, but a sense of calm filled me. Like someone was holding me close. Easing my pain.

Time. Memories.

How much had I lost? And how long would it take to remember?

Finally, I was discharged. Carmen helped me gather my things while my parents got the car.

She lifted the mattress to check nothing was left behind. “Hey. What’s this?”

“A book?” I stepped closer.

She moved aside so I could grab it.

It was blue, black, and pink, with the title I Forgot to Remember printed across the cover. No author, just the title.

“Why was this hidden?” I looked at Carmen. “Have you seen this before?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so. Open it. There may be a clue inside. Something that tells us who it belongs to.”

I shrugged. “Okay.”

I opened it, and the world stopped.

My name was written on the first page. I brushed my fingers over the words, and a current shot straight to my chest. The handwriting was beautiful.

Robbie,

To memories forgotten. To new lives built.

So we can find each other again.

A tear slipped down my cheek. Then another.

What the hell? Why was I crying?

“Carmen?” I wiped my face. “Do you know who left this for me?” I handed her the book.

She opened it. Her features softened. A soft smile painted her face. “I’m guessing someone who cared a lot about you.” My hands quivered as I took it back. “Please. Do you know who?”

Her eyes glazed, a pained look crossing her face. “I’m sorry.” She hurried out of the room.

What was going on? Did she know who it was? Why did she look like she was about to cry? And why wouldn’t she tell me?

I clutched the book and sat on the bed. My heart beat against my throat.