Shadows of the Heart

Chapter Twelve

Stella was feeling noticeably better. After a light breakfast the next day and taking a few tentative steps out of bed, she had returned to rest, sitting upright and calmer than she had felt since the accident. The sterile quiet of the private room was comforting—until a soft knock sounded at the door.

Kurt stepped in, moving quietly, followed by Doctor George.

“Don’t worry, Miss,” Doctor George said gently.

Stella turned toward the voice, her blue eyes curious and wary.

“I’d like to introduce this young man—Kurt Carlise,” the doctor continued. “He was the one who rescued you. So don’t be nervous.”

Stella studied Kurt for a moment, then nodded, intrigued. He approached her bedside with an easy, reassuring smile. She gestured for him to sit.

“Do you remember anything?” Kurt asked softly.

Stella shook her head, a troubled frown creasing her forehead.

“That’s okay. No rush,” Kurt said gently. “I’ve brought you some writing materials, so when you want to tell us something, you can.” He handed her a notepad and pen. “Do you remember your name?”

Stella took the pad and pen from him and began to write. Her hand trembled slightly, and when she tried to think, pain throbbed in her head. She managed only a single letter—S—before stopping, frustrated and confused.

Before anyone could speak, the door burst open, and Grandma Ruth bustled in, a small pile of gifts cradled in her arms.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” she said brightly, placing the gifts carefully on a nearby chair. She strode over to Stella, took her hand gently, and lowered her voice to a comforting whisper.

“Let me introduce myself. I’m Grandma Ruth,” she said, her eyes warm. “It’s my duty to keep you company and help you however I can to speed up your recovery. My grandson, Kurt, is the one who rescued you from the accident and brought you here. I’ve come on behalf of him and our Carlisle family.”

Stella blinked up at her, a mixture of curiosity and lingering confusion on her face. The woman’s warmth and confidence were oddly reassuring, but the unfamiliar names made her mind swirl.

Grandma Ruth squeezed her hand gently. “You’re safe now, dear. That’s all that matters.”

Kurt gave a subtle nod beside her, silently encouraging Stella to trust the kindness of the surrounding room, even as fragments of memory refused to surface.