Kian
687 Words
AS I WALKED downstairs, I saw my father reading a newspaper.
“Helene, you’ve been away from work for too long. Maybe you should go back now that Noah is stable,” he said without looking up.
I had almost forgotten about work. My father was strict, even though I worked in our family’s company. He believed I had to earn my position.
“I’ll go back next week, Dad. Please… just give me a little more time,” I asked softly, kissing his cheek.
“Alright. But no more extensions. Kian asked me to be lenient,” he replied, his voice gentler than usual.
Kian is the son of my father’s business partner, and we are currently working on a project collaboration. His family is one of the wealthiest in town.
WHEN I ARRIVED at the hospital, the room was filled with warmth and conversation. Everyone was talking to Noah, and he seemed… better. But then my heart clenched.
Elaine was sitting on Noah’s bed, feeding him.
My smile faded, and a familiar ache settled in my chest. She stood up quickly when I walked closer, but the damage was done.
“Son, this is Helene, your girlfriend,” Noah’s mom said, her voice gentle yet filled with hope.
I knew he wouldn’t remember, but I still clung to the fragile thread of hope.
Noah’s smile was polite, distant. He looked at me, then glanced back at Elaine, his smile lingering a little longer on her.
Why? Why her? It seems like he's asking her permission or something?
I sat on the bed beside him, cupping his face. “Hi baby, it’s me, Helene. Do you remember me?” My voice trembled.
His expression softened, but then his words shattered me.
“I’m sorry. They told me I lost my memory… I can’t recall anything right now. But I’m sure… when my memories come back, I’ll remember you… everything about you.” He smiled gently, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“Of course, baby. I missed you so much,” I whispered, hugging him, but the emptiness in his eyes was undeniable.
Desperate to bridge the gap, I kissed him. But his response was… just a smile. No warmth. No familiarity.
“I’m sorry… I need to go out for a minute,” I mumbled, feeling my heart shatter all over again.
As I stood up, my eyes scanned the room, and that’s when I recognized everyone in the room, even Kian was there. I forced a smile and walked out.
I barely made it to the bench outside before breaking down. Tears streamed down my face as I prayed desperately to God.
A gentle hand touched my shoulder. I looked up, and there was Kian. His eyes were filled with concern.
“Hey,” he whispered, offering me a napkin.
“Thank you,” I mumbled, wiping my face. I hated that he had to see me like this.
“I’m sorry for what happened,” he said softly.
“It’s not your fault, Kian,” I replied, forcing a weak smile. “Why are you here, by the way?”
“I heard Noah wake up yesterday, so I came by today. They tried to call you earlier to tell you what happened, but you weren’t answering. I tried too, but…” His voice trailed off.
“I know… I was asleep.” I sighed.
“By the way, I’ll go back to work next week. I’m sorry for delaying the project,” I added, trying to shift the conversation.
“It’s okay, Helene. I’ve been covering both ends, but I still need you to proofread and revise before we submit the proposal,” he said with a reassuring smile.
“I will. Thank you, Kian.”
“Go back inside. Noah needs you.”
I nodded, but as I returned to the room, the sight of Elaine beside Noah made my heart ache all over again. He was smiling at her, and I felt like I was slowly losing him… piece by piece.
But I wasn’t ready to give up. Not yet.
- Writer
