Page 73 of A Coffee Away

I smiled as a sense of familiarity lightened the dark space where my amnesia had thrown me. Jazz music and a strong, mouthwatering coffee aroma hit my brain cells.

Fuck. Had I been there? Was this the clue I was looking for?

I frowned. When had I started painting happiness? When had my blacks and reds turned into pastel hues? Into love and serenity. Nature and light.

I flipped the bookmark over. Miramar.

I closed the book and put it inside my leather satchel, then walked into the kitchen. I prepared the energy juice I’d become accustomed to after I found myself fixing it in the juicer. Carrots, ginger, and apple. Even though I had no recollection of when or where I got this recipe, it had become a routine.

I took a sip.

“C’mon,” he said from the door. “Don’t forget yours.”

I rubbed my eyes as I spied his shadow in the doorway. “Fuck.”

I grabbed the tumbler and my satchel.

It’s time to see where this takes me and find my past.

Chapter 19: Day by Day

Esteban

Six months.

Six months since he opened his eyes, and I hadn’t been there.

My father won his fight a week ago, and the restraining order was lifted. But now Robbie was lost to me again.

I went to his parents’ house right away, but no one answered. I left a note with my phone number, hoping they’d contact me.

His mom texted me: He no longer lives here. We got him an apartment, but you shouldn’t look for him. Not yet. He forgot everything after the day of his birthday. He doesn’t even remember that night. I’m so sorry, but he doesn’t remember you. The doctor says that if he remembers, it will be on his own time. That he’s fragile, and we shouldn’t overwhelm him. To remain hopeful that his memories will return.

My heart broke into a million pieces. He actually forgot me. Everything. The life we had together. The moments we shared. A knife stabbed my heart. The ache was unbearable.

What if he never remembered? What if I had truly lost him?

I read the text again and again and tried to reply, but it wouldn’t go through.

In my need to understand, I went to the doctor at the hospital. She said she believed he’d remember. That he’d told her he’d had glimpses of his past. That it was best to give Robbie time. So I’d wait for him to remember our life together and come back to me, as painful as it was.

“Fuck!” I ran to the sink and let water fall on my burnt index finger.

“Are you okay?” Gaby asked from the counter.

“It’s nothing," I grunted. This was all fucked up. I couldn’t concentrate. My thoughts were always drifting back to him. I closed my eyes. Come on, Esteban. Have faith.

“I miss him too.” Her soft voice carried melancholy.

She wiped her face with her forearm.

We’d all suffered his loss, his gentle soul.

I dried my hands and finished the coffee I was preparing.

“Sorry about that,” I told the author we’d once met at the food trucks.

She visited every Thursday morning. Her vibrant-red hair and contagious smile somehow lightened my gloomy mood.