“That sounds like a lonely existence.”
I try for a wry smile but give up. I can’t even pretend anymore. “Anyway, my point is, it’s not real and it only hurts to think about. I don’t want to know what I’m missing.”
“I understand, but I think this is telling us something important.”
“That I need a dating app?”
Anna chuckles. “No, but it’s an unusually warm day for December. Let’s go for a walk.”
I’m not sure why Anna felt the sudden need to explore nature, but the crisp air does wonders for my weighted existence.
“Better?” she asks when we’re a safe distance from the hospital. We head along one of the campus’ many nature trails, and I feel free for the first time.
“Actually, yes. Much better. Thank you. I didn’t even know I needed this.”
Anna smiles. “Good. Here, let’s sit.”
She leads me to a bench, and I tuck my hands into the pockets of my jacket.
“There’s something I want to talk to you about.”
I nod and wait as she glances around before leaning in. “We’ve been meeting for a few weeks now, and I could tell you didn’t remember anything about your time at Madison Academy.”
“I still don’t.”
Anna shakes her head. “You do.”
Confused, I stare at her and try to read her expression as she draws in a deep breath.
“I’m almost positive you’re starting to remember Daniel.”
“Who’s Daniel? What are you talking about?” I ask, completely lost.
Anna sends me a warning look. “Shh. Keep your voice down. No one can hear us. Your dreams are more than that. They’re memories. Daniel told me the last time they tried to erase your memories, it didn’t stick. He was hoping that would happen again. I think it is.”
“Are you telling me that the guy from my dreams, this Daniel, is actually someone I know?”
She nods. “And someone you loved. You are capable of feeling that way, and you do. He feels the same about you. He sacrificed himself for your freedom.”
Now I’m just angry. Is this a joke? “This isn’t funny. It’s just a dream. People have them all the time.”
“It’s not, Rebecca.” Her gentle tone fixes nothing. She makes it worse when she sighs and reaches into her pocket to retrieve her phone. I swear, if she’s going to throw studies in my face right now… “That’s him, isn’t it? The boy from your dream?”
I gasp, my heart stuttering in my chest. “Where did you get that? How did you…?”
“Please, calm down. I know this is shocking, but it’s starting to come back, and I need to guide you through this. Daniel needs your help. I tried to intervene the only way I could, but our plan backfired, and now his hopes rest on you.”
My eyes lock on the familiar ghost. He’s a phantom. A dream. A fantasy. There shouldn’t be a picture. “Who is he?”
“I can’t tell you that. I can’t risk telling you anything and tainting your memories. We need them to return on their own, with absolute integrity.”
“So what am I supposed to do until then?”
“Nothing. Just don’t tell anyone that your memories are returning. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you the truth anyway. We’ll just have to wait for you to see it on your own. Until then, we’ll use our sessions together to help bring more back.”
Frustrated, I grab the phone and stare at the photo. My stomach constricts at the vibrant eyes gazing back at me. Intelligent, haunted. Gosh, he’s beautiful, just like my dream. “Was I still in love with him when I left?” I trace his features with my finger.
“Yes. Very much so. It was the reason you left.”
