I let out a relieved sigh. “Oh, thank God, Jeff. I’m so sorry. Are you both okay?”
“Yes, we’re perfectly fine. I’m just glad you’re all okay. I would’ve called to warn you, but I was so focused on getting Monique and I to safety that I left my phone in the cabin.”
“No, you did the right thing. I’m just thankful you were both able to get to a safe spot.”
He looks around at the bodies on the floor. “We’ll work on getting this cleaned up.”
“No, you guys are fine. We’ll handle it,” Massi says, then he and his brothers go to take care of the bodies, leaving my mom and I alone.
I turn to her, and say, “I’m so sorry. This isn’t how I wanted everything to go down.”
She cups my face. “You have nothing to be sorry for, sweetheart. That man showed me exactly who he is, and the way I see it, he got exactly what he deserved.”
I’m so relieved to hear her say that. Witnessing everything that happened was not how I wanted to start our new lives, but I’m so glad it didn’t scare her off.
“I might not have my memories back, but I know this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
I wrap my arms around her once more. “Let’s finally go home, then.”
EPILOGUE
LIANA
ONE MONTH LATER
Since being back in New York, my mom’s been seeing a neurologist and a psychiatrist who both specialize in amnesia. They’ve helped her transition her life back here and have been slowly helping her retrieve her memories while managing the side effects of them coming back.
They say it’s best for her health if her memories come back slowly, so I’ve been doing my best to just be there for her as her support system, only giving her more information about our past when her doctors say it’s okay.
Teo, Enzo, and Izzy have been amazing with her. When I first let them know she was still alive, their questions came just as quickly as mine did. But after I explained everything, and let them know that overwhelming her could be detrimental to her health, they’ve been a solid support system for her. Our family was close, so they have just as many memories with her as I did.
Thankfully, my mom’s been doing incredibly well, remembering a little more each week. It’s a slow process, but just having her back makes it all worth it. They said there’s a goodchance her full memories will never return, but they’re hopeful she’ll regain the majority of our lives together, and for that, I’m thankful.
The door to the psychiatrist’s office opens, and my mom walks out. I push myself to a stand, and Massi does the same. He’s been coming with me to every single one of her appointments, and I’m so grateful for that. I’m not sure where I’d be without him.
“How was your session?” I ask.
“It went well,” she says with a smile.
“Your mom is making a remarkable recovery,” Dr. Levinson says. “I’m pleased with how far she’s come after just a month of working together.”
“I’m so happy to hear that,” I say, glancing at Massi, giving him a hopeful smile that he returns.
“I’d love for you to start showing her some more pictures from your past. Just start with one or two, then we can reevaluate how she’s doing at our appointment next week.”
“That sounds great. I can absolutely do that.”
“Then maybe you can attend part of next week’s session. I think it’s a good time to have you start coming.”
“Of course. Anything to help.” I beam at Dr. Levinson.
“I’ll see you all next week,” she says, then turns around to go back into her office.
“It sounds like you’re making amazing progress, Mom.”
“I am. Things are still very fuzzy, but I’ve been able to manage the migraines and dizzy spells, which has helped the memories coming back a little easier.”
“That’s great. I’m so happy to hear that.”
