Page 9 of A Lapse in Time

She explained everything to watch for, especially over the first few days. She gave us the prescription Dr. Stralkus wrote for Carsyn, along with support groups for people with amnesia.

By the time she was done, the escort person had arrived. While they helped Carsyn into the wheelchair, I made sure all of her belongings were packed and that we didn't leave anything behind. Carlie had visited her the day before, so she had already started packing. I double-checked everything one last time before I followed behind Carsyn and the escort person.

"I'm going to take the stairs so I can pull up the car. I'll be right out front," I told Carsyn and the guy.

"Okay. Take your time," the guy responded.

I smiled at Carsyn, then headed to the stairway. I thought about all the things that could go wrong as I walked down the steps, but I knew I had to get out of my head. I didn't want to think the worst, but it was hard not to. The woman who owned every part of me didn't know who I was… Hardship was around the corner, and I needed to prepare for it. I knew my mother-in-law would tell me to pray about it, so that's what I did.

I was still in my head when I reached the parking lot, but I had to push it to the back of my mind. Making Carsyn feel as secure as possible was the goal.

I put her stuff in the trunk, then climbed into the car. When I pulled up to the door, Carsyn was on the curb in the wheelchair, smiling and talking to the escort guy. It wasn't in a flirty way, but it still bothered me a little because I didn't know what they were talking about to make her smile like that. In the past, it wouldn't bother me when she talked to other men because I was secure in our relationship, but a lot had changed in a matter of days.

I shook off my thoughts and exited the car, walking around it and opening the passenger door. I appreciated the escort's help, but I was capable of getting my wife in the car. I would have wheeled her down myself, but I didn't want her to have to wait at the curb by herself, and the hospital had rules.

"Thank you. I got it from here," I told the dude.

"You're welcome." He stepped back while I stretched my hand out to Carsyn.

She smiled at me and grabbed my hand. Once she was safely in the car, I closed the door and walked around to the other side.

"Good luck to both of you," the escort guy said before leaving.

"Thanks," I replied, then got in the car. After my seat belt was secured, I turned toward Carsyn. "Are you ready to go home?"

When she looked at me, I could see the hesitation on her face, but she grinned and replied, "Yes."

I could tell she was nervous by the way she picked at her nails, so I turned on some music to help relax her. Whenever she got nervous about anything, we would listen to music until she was calm. I wasn't sure if music would help this time, but I tried anyway.

I had so many questions, but I knew I needed to wait until she was ready to talk. Asking her too many things could frustrate her, and I wasn't trying to do that.

Twenty minutes later,we arrived home, and even though Carsyn wasn't visibly nervous, I could tell she was still a little apprehensive. I knew my wife very well and could pick up on subtle things about her. She probably didn't even realize how much she tapped her fingers against her leg the whole time we drove.

"Is this where we live?" she asked as I pulled into the driveway.

"Yes, we do, and you picked it out. This was the first house we purchased after we got married. We are friends with the neighbors and their daughter. They watch Nia for us occasionally. They have been asking about you, but I told them I would let them know when you were up for visitors."

"Oh, okay. I don't remember them either."

The sadness in Carsyn's voice made my chest tight.

"It's okay, and they understand that. For now, let's get you in the house and get settled."

I got out of the car and helped her out. Once I got her settled, I would get the stuff from the trunk.

After opening the door, I let Carsyn walk in first. I kept everything where it was before the fight just in case something jogged her memory. Dr. Stralkus also suggested keeping things the same as before. She mentioned that changing things around could trigger an emotional response from her.

Carsyn walked further into the house, eyeing the pictures on the wall and looking around like everything was new to her, but I guess it was. She walked over to our wedding portrait on the wall.

"Wow. We really are married," she whispered. I didn't know if I should say anything, but it felt like she didn't expect me to hear it. She turned to face me. "When did we get married?"

I stood a couple of inches away from her with my hands in my pockets.

"We got married ten years ago on November fifth. It was a chilly day, but the sun was bright in the sky. We talked about an outside wedding but ended up going with one at a manor that's near the lake."

"Oh wow. That sounds beautiful." She walked away from the portrait and went to sit on the couch.

"The best day of my life," I commented. I walked over to the couch and sat on the other end of it. "There are pictures I can show you one day."

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