Strange New Reality–1
Thea’s POV
I couldn’t sleep at all last night, my mind racing a million miles an hour. Everything still felt so fucking surreal. I’d heard about amnesia, read about it, but never imagined I’d become one of those patients myself.
It was the weirdest feeling, having this massive blank space in my memories. Like someone had ripped out pages from the book of my life. I had no recollection of waking up after being shot. No recognition of those people claiming to be my biological parents. No memory of the friends who looked at me with such hope in their eyes. I didn’t remember Phoenix, and worse, I didn’t remember the man who fathered her.
None of it made any goddamn sense. Why would I sleep with another man? And why did Sebastian seem completely okay with it? Even more bizarre, if I really had slept with someone else and gotten pregnant, why were we still married? And where the fuck was
my wedding ring?
It felt like I’d missed so much. In my mind, Leo should only be three years old, but reality showed me he’d grown considerably since then. It was like I’d missed all those important moments in his development. He’d shared so many memories we supposedly had together, but they meant nothing to me because I simply couldn’t remember them.
I stood by the window, absently brushing my hair. It was evening now, and I was waiting for Sebastian and Leo to come pick Phoenix and me up to go home.
Another thing bothering me was that Sebastian seemed completely different from the man in my memories. His behavior had changed so drastically that I wondered if I’d woken up in some parallel universe–like a wizard had possessed his body or something.
The hugs, the kisses, constantly holding my hand… these gestures were so foreign to me. The last time we talked in my memory, he told me he hated me and would never forgive
- me.
What the fuck had changed during this time?
As I pondered this, the head nurse walked in carrying Phoenix.
“Want to try feeding Phoenix again?” she asked, placing my daughter in my arms.
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Strange New Reality 1
Yesterday we’d tried to get Phoenix to breastfeed, but it had been difficult. She seemed used to the bottle and found my breast unfamiliar. Honestly, I was just grateful I still had
milk, and I didn’t mind trying until she got used to it.
“Of course, please help me.”
I unbuttoned my gown and tried to get her to latch. When she finally did and started sucking, I sighed with relief.
It felt good, providing nourishment for her from my body. Though I’d only known her for a day, I already felt the connection between us, just like the connection I had with Leo.
My brain might not remember carrying her, but my heart knew she was mine.
“Excited about going home?” the head nurse asked while packing up Phoenix’s things.
Yesterday she’d told me everything about Phoenix. I was incredibly grateful that despite being premature, she had survived, thanks to their excellent care.
“Yeah,” I chuckled lightly, “like I said, I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed, it’ll be much
more comfortable.”
She smiled but didn’t say anything more. After finishing up, she said goodbye and left.
Phoenix had fallen asleep, but I continued holding her. I suddenly realized how much I
didn’t want to be separated from her or Leo.
According to everyone, I had almost died. In fact, my heart had stopped twice for a few seconds. The thought that I could have permanently left my children behind felt
devastating.
As I was lost in these thoughts, Sebastian and Leo walked into the room.
“Hi Mom,” Leo came straight over and gave me a hug.
“Hi sweetheart,” I kissed his cheek, feeling happiness and joy wash over me.
Sebastian waited until we were finished before approaching.
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