Page 5 of A Lapse in Time

I sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed Carsyn's hand. I was relieved when she didn't snatch away from me. She may not have known exactly why I was here, but I could tell I was familiar to her. We met when she was sixteen, and we flirted, but she was eighteen when we got together.

I wasn't sure if I should wait until the rest of the family was in the room or not. However, I quickly decided that too many people might overwhelm her, so I would tell her before they came in.

"I'm here because you are my wife, Carsyn, and we have a three-year-old daughter named Nia."

Her eyes widened before her brows furrowed. She glanced down at her hand, then back at me. I was sure she wondered why she didn't wear a ring, but she always took it off when she fought. Her eyes also shot to her mother, then back at me.

"I'm sorry. I don't remember." She looked sad, and my heart shattered in my chest.

I felt tears prick my eyes. I sniffled to try to hold them back. At the same time, tears streamed down Carsyn's face like rain, and I couldn't hold my emotions back any longer.

"How could I not remember getting married and having a baby?" More tears and the confusion on her face made me feel useless. I didn't know how to answer her questions.

"Shh, honey. It's okay." Carlotta rubbed her back.

Carsyn's hand was still in my mine, so I gave it a gentle squeeze. I needed her to feel my presence, not just see me.

"How? When did we get married? I don't understand any of this." Carsyn shook her head.

I took a minute to explain to her how she got injured and how long we had been married.

"Your sister and everyone else are in the waiting room. We wanted to come in first and see how you were doing. I can get your sister if you want me to."

"Where's ou-our daughter? You said her name was Nia?"

"Yes, Nia. She looks just like you. She's at the babysitter's house."

Carsyn leaned back against the pillows and slid her hand out of mine. I didn't want to let her go, but I knew this was a lot to process.

"Can I see her?"

"Of course you can. I can go get her and bring her here."

I appreciated Carlotta not saying too much. She tried to comfort Carsyn without overwhelming her.

Carsyn looked at her mother, and she nodded.

"Yes. I would like to see her. I just hate that I can't remember her."

"It's okay. I'll go get her and bring her here," I told her.

I struggled to keep my emotions in check, but I tried my best. I didn't want to completely break down in front of Carsyn because I didn't want to worry her. I had no idea what would happen after her hospital release, but I knew we'd manage. She was my wife, and I took my vows seriously. There was no leaving when times got rough. As long as she would allow me to be there and help her get her memory back, I would.

I stood and moved closer to the side of Carsyn. I leaned down and kissed her forehead, and she didn't move away from me. To me, that was a good enough sign. For now, I would take whatever I could get from her.

"I'll send your sister in and come back with Nia."

"Okay."

I didn't want to leave the room, but I needed to. I prayed that bringing Nia would help jog Carsyn's memory of her. Nia wouldn't understand her mother not knowing who she was, and that was something I worried about.

I opened the door but gave Carsyn one last glance before I left the room.

Carlie and Mr. Warren were the first two people to stand when I entered the waiting room. My father watched me, worry etched on his face.

"How is she?" Carlie asked.

"She doesn't remember me or Nia." I let out a sigh. "She wants to see Nia, so that's a good sign. As Dr. Stralkus said, we have to be patient with her. I just hope this doesn't last long, but I will be there to take care of her no matter what. You all can go in and see her."

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