My emotions are all over the place… the joy, the adrenaline, the ache of longing for her… everything comes rushing back in a flash. No longer a flicker, but she’s there in full technicolor memory.
Heart racing, breath fast, my hand finds my chest as if trying to steady the pounding behind my ribs, the thrill of her still on my mind.
The announcer’s voice booms,“Goal,” yet again, as if the word turned the key, unlocking every memory I have of her. Not fragments, not shimmers, ripples of remembrance or blurryfractured shards. She’s there, sharp, alive, real, and so fucking beautiful.
“I remember.”
“What was that?” Lily bumps my shoulder with hers.
“I remember, Lily. I remember Erika. I remember everything.” I even remember tripping and hitting my head on the yacht. I remember hearing her sweet voice as she tried to save me. “She saved my life.” I’m gasping, clawing at my chest, the shaky fingers of my other hand pushing into my hair to feel my scar, the phantom pains I’ve been feeling for weeks completely gone.
Lily’s mouth drops open in shock, her eyes widening. “Everything?”
“Everything.”
“Oh my god, this is huge, Leon.”
An idea pops into my head, the clearest it’s felt in months, and I blurt, “You can’t tell her. Not yet. But I’m going to need your help.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
Erika
I’ve worked around the clock for the last twenty-four hours treating burns, blast traumas, and chemical exposure patients. I’m just making my way out of the hospital to go home when my phone buzzes with a text.
Leon:
There’s a car waiting outside for you. You’re not driving home after working that many hours.
Me:
Thank you for thinking of me.
Leon:
You’re not going home just yet. I’m sorry.
Me:
Why?
Leon:
I want to show you something.
Me:
If it’s a cute animal video, I’m so tired, I might cry.
Leon:
It’s not that. Just trust me, and you’ll be home soon, I promise.
Me:
Ok. x
Leon:
