Two blurry, angelic faces stared up at Emily with concerned looks. She swiped at the tears and blinked to clear her vision.
“Are you okay?” came Amy’s voice again.
Emily couldn’t answer. She tried to nod but couldn’t even do that because she wasn’t okay. Her father was dead.
Jake walked in the back door. “There are the little cuties—” His voice abruptly died off when he saw Emily crying. “What’s wrong?” he whispered to Amy as he approached the couch where Emily sat with Amy beside her.
Amy shrugged and moved away.
Jake pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and took her place. Remembering how patient and gentle Jake was last night caused Emily’s tears to increase.
“Emily?” His voice was tender, like a caress. He pressed the handkerchief into her hand and placed his arm around her shoulders, gently pulling her toward him.
Shifting so leaning against Jake wouldn’t hurt her ribs, she rested her head against his shoulder. She needed Jake’s strength right now. As much as she wanted her memories to return, the pain that accompanied each memory was almost more than she could bear.
“I mentioned that Ben’s first wife died in a car accident.” Amy’s quiet voice pierced her anguish. “Then she said, ‘Oh no,’ and started crying. She had this funny look, like maybe she remembered something.”
“My father,” Emily said without lifting her head from Jake’s shoulder.
“What?” Jake asked.
“I remembered the night two police officers showed up at my door to tell me my father died in a car accident.”
“Oh, Emily.” Jake’s arm tightened around her.
“Remembering it was like experiencing it for the first time. This is not something my mind is making up. It can’t be. It hurts too bad.” Emily sniffed, fighting more tears.
“Can you tell us about it?” Jake asked after a moment.
“He fell asleep at the wheel and rolled his car down a steep embankment.” Emily lifted her head from Jake’s shoulder. “It happened almost ten months ago.”
“Were you alone when the police notified you?”
“Yes, but they stayed with me until the officers brought Cameron to my house.” Emily gasped as a weight lifted from her chest and some of her sadness dissipated. She lifted her head and grabbed Jake’s hand. “I remember my brother. I remember Cameron.”
“That’s great.” Then more soberly he added, “I’m sorry about your father, Emily.”
“I remembered.” Excitement crept into her voice. Then her smile faded as the familiar heaviness returned.
“What’s wrong?”
“I remember I have a brother but not much else. I can see a few hazy pictures in my head of what I think is my childhood, but like last night, I’m not certain if they are real or not.”
“Don’t force it.” Jake stroked her hair. “It’ll come. Give it time. Once you see your brother, I’m sure everything will come back to you.”
“I hope so. Why do you think it’s taking so long to locate him? Do you think he’s away on a trip or something?”
“It’s possible.”
“I’m glad you remembered something,” Amy spoke up. “I’m sorry it wasn’t a happy memory.”
Emily attempted a smile. “Thank you. Me too.” She looked at Jake. “I’d like to remember something happy.”
His arm tightened around her. “Would you like to go rest for a while?”
No doubt Jake intended to carry her to her room. As tempting as the thought of remaining in the security of Jake’s arms was, she pushed herself away, attempting to shake off her somber mood.
“No. I don’t want to rest. I need a distraction. I need happiness and fresh air.” She looked at Amy. “Would you mind if we continue our visit outside?”
