Page 10 of Kian

“And go where?”

“I have no idea, but something tells me people are searching for me. Whether they mean well or harm, I don’t know.”

“But you can’t go anywhere right now; the snow is still fallingheavily. You’re stuck here for the time being. Even if someone is trying to find you, they won’t be able to go anywhere either.”

“That’s true, but once the weather clears up, I need to go.”

“As I said, go where? Without your memories or any contacts, you have no idea where to go or who to turn to.”

He laid back down. “This is frustrating. I can’t believe I can’t remember anything.” He shook his head. “Why did I even have a gun?”

“I think fragments of your memory are coming back, but I have no explanation for why you would have a gun. Do you feel like you could be a police officer?”

He looked at her and laughed. “What does a police officer feel like?”

“You’re having fun testing my theories.” She smiled.

“Well, they have been a bit unconventional. I don’t look like a John and do I feel like a police officer. Do you want to give it another go?”

“Not really, but why were you out in this weather?”

“Who were those two men?” He shook his head. “There are so many questions, and I can’t answer any of them. Who am I?”

“From what I can gather, you were either running from someone or chasing after them. If the men were ahead of you and you called out to them, I’d say you were in pursuit. It adds up. They pointed their rifles at you, ready to shoot, and they did hit you. You were shot at, at least twice; one grazed your temple, the other went under your collarbone. I heard three shots. But then what? You weren’t shot where Lobo found you. Did you make it there on your own or did they carry you there after taking all your identification? They probably assumed if they stripped you of your coat and identification, you’d freeze to death and if you were ever found, no one would be able to identify you. So, they left you there. Somehow, though, you might have managed to drag yourself to where we found you.And they took all your items with them. And let’s face it; it would have been spring before anyone found you... if the animals didn’t get to you first.”

“Maybe.”

Gretchen stood up. “Get some rest now. It’s three in the morning and sleep will do wonders for your recovery. We’ll talk more later. Come on, Lobo.”

She walked down the hallway with the dog following close behind her. Once she reached her room, she closed the door, shed her robe, and climbed into bed. Lobo hopped up onto the bed and snuggled close to her. She stroked his ears.

“Thank you, baby.” She let out a sigh, rolled onto her side, and drifted off to sleep.

****

As the sun slowly rose, its warm rays spreading across the quiet cabin, he wearily rose to his feet and made his way to the kitchen. He rummaged through the cupboards in search of coffee, his bleary eyes struggling to focus on the labels. Finally, he found what he was looking for and turned toward the sleek coffee maker, only to freeze when he saw Lobo sitting at attention, staring at him with big brown eyes.

“Shit,” he muttered under his breath, a jolt of fear coursing through him. “Hey boy,” he said, and sighed with relief, as Lobo wagged his tail and nuzzled his hand.

“I told you he was fine,” Gretchen said from behind him as she entered the kitchen.

“Thank God,” he sighed, turning to face her with a grateful smile. “I wasn’t sure there for a minute.”

“How are you feeling?” she asked with genuine concern etched on her features.

“Tired,” he admitted with a yawn. “I didn’t get much sleep. I’m sorry I woke you.”

“It’s alright,” she reassured him. “It was just a bad dream.” She busied herself making her own cup of coffee when his finished brewing. “Are you hungry?”

“Actually, I’m starving,” he confessed with a grin.

“Do you like pancakes?” she asked curiously.

“Yes... I think,” he replied hesitantly, furrowing his brows in concentration.

“Well, I guess we’ll find out,” Gretchen said with an amused grin.

“Okay, is there anything I can do?” he offered.

---