I can’t believe I made it to the US.
A vanilla scent wafts around me, and my cells settle. Mateo is beside me.
“Is anything familiar?” Mateo asks.
I shake my head.
“You’ll remember it,” he says, and I nod, hoping he’s right.
I stare at my couch, my coffee table, my cabinets, wondering if anything will trigger me and make me remember these past six weeks.
Nothing does.
I must have good memories here.
What good times have I forgotten?
Did we make out on the sofa? Did I like it?
Sometimes I watch movies where people kiss, and the whole thing seems distasteful. The only times women have kissed me, I haven’t enjoyed it.
But when I see Mateo, all I can think about is pulling him closer and kissing him. I want to taste his pink lips.
“But where should we stay?” My mother interrupts my musings, and I force my gaze from Mateo’s lips.
“This is a one-bedroom apartment!” my mother exclaims.
My family look at Mateo.
Annika’s eyes are narrow. “I know Florian has lost his memory. You haven’t though.”
Mateo draws back. I glare at my sister and wrap an arm around Mateo. He glances at me, surprised.
“Do not scare my boyfriend,” I tell Annika.
“Just saying,” she huffs.
“I-I thought you would all want to stay here.” Mateo pulls out his phone quickly. “I can order sleeping bags! And blow-up mattresses!”
My parents exchange glances.
“I know you want to be close to Florian,” he tells my mother.
She melts.
So do I.
“I am sure we can find a hotel,” my father says. “I am ready for an early night after that long flight.”
I yawn.
My father chuckles. He puts his hands around mine. “I was so worried about you on the flight coming over.”
“I am sorry, Papa.” I scrunch my forehead. “Are you missing your lectures?”
“That is not important. My TAs are handling everything. The important thing is you. It does this old man’s heart good to see you happy.”
“You arenot old, Papa.”
