Page 60 of Kian

“We were so worried about you, Kian. We never thought you would just disappear like that without a trace,” his father added, still trying to process everything that had happened.

Kian wiped away a tear from his mother’s cheek. “I didn’t have any memory for a while. I had no idea who I was or why I was there.”

“How did your memory come back?” His father asked, folding his arms and looking intently at him.

“It happened when I was walking in the woods. I told Gretchen I wanted to do something to try and trigger my memory, and it worked. It hit me all at once like a train,” Kian explained, reliving the overwhelming moment when everything came rushing back to him.

“We’re just grateful that you’re safe now,” his mother said, placing a hand on his arm.

“Celine was a mess when she heard what happened. She was so worried about you and your brother,” his father added, with a hint of sadness in his voice.

Kian grinned. “I stopped by the coffee shop. She saw me and ran over, wrapped her arms around me, and started crying.”

“She was worried about Killian too. She mentioned he hadn’t been sleeping at all,” his mother added.

“Yeah, she told me that too. Hey, Mom, do you have a copy of my birth certificate? I’ll need it to get a new driver’s license. I can order a copy of my social security card online. Dave is taking care of getting my other things, like my badge, ID card and weapon. Killian already contacted the bank, and they said they would send new cards once I got in touch with them. Same goes for my credit cards. And I need to make some phone calls. Oh, and I have to get a new phone. I know those men couldn’t get into my phone to get my contacts, but I still have to call my provider to cancel it.”

“Better safe than sorry,” his father nodded in agreement.

“I think it would be best if you stayed with us for a while,” his mother suggested.

“Mom, really, I’m fine. Killian paid my rent for now and onceI have access to my own money again; I’ll pay him back.”

“Let me get your birth certificate.” His mother left the room.

“You know Killian’s not worried about you paying him back,” his father reminded him.

“I know, but it’s something I want to do. I just hope it doesn’t take too long.”

“The banks and credit card companies usually issue cards pretty quickly,” his father reassured him.

“That’s true. Well, I should probably head back to town now. I need to see the doctor and get cleared to return to work, then talk with the sheriff.” Kian stood up from the table when his mother entered the room and handed him a sheet of paper.

“Thanks so much, Mom.”

“I want that back.” She smiled.

“Yes, ma’am.”

He hugged them both goodbye, grabbed his hat off the peg, and made his way out onto the porch. After putting his hat on, he climbed into the truck and drove off to his appointment.

After seeing the doctor, he purchased a new phone, then headed back to the office to give Dave the necessary paperwork allowing him to return to work.

As he ascended the steps, he heard someone call out his name and turned to see Sheila running across the parking lot. He made his way down the steps to meet her.

When she reached him, she threw her arms around him and started crying on his shoulder.

“I’m so relieved you’re okay,” she sobbed before pulling away and looking into his eyes.

Kian gently removed her arms from around his neck and took a step back.

“I’m fine now.”

“But you were almost killed.”

“But I wasn’t. Look, Sheila, I need to go inside and talk toDave about getting back to work.”

“Okay, can we get together later and talk?”

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