Page 29 of She Found Me

As soon as she takes hold of my hand for me to answer, I squeeze it tightly. My mouth is dry as a bone.

Donna giggles at my response. “I take it that’s a yes. I will be right back.”

Donna leaves the room, and the man who is my husband returns. He walks over to my bedside and takes hold of my hand. His face is full of concern.

“Do you know who I am?” he asks.

I squeeze his hand twice.

“Do you remember anything from your life before your accident?”

I squeeze his hand twice again.

He remains silent for a moment, staring at my face. “I am your husband. My name is Eric. We love each other very much, and we are going to have a happy life together.”

I feel as though he is talking to himself as much as to me. I suppose this must be very hard on him too. The fact that I can’t remember who he is must break his heart. Eric is of a medium build. He has green eyes and reddish-brown hair. I wouldn’t say he is an attractive man, more average. When I look at him, I feel no comfort. I know I don’t remember him, but even looking at my nurse Donna, I felt something. With him, I feel nothing.

Donna returns with a jug of water and glass.

“Ahh, you must be so relieved to see her awake, Eric!” Donna beams as she looks between us.

Eric drops my hand and sits beside me. “She doesn’t know who I am,” he explains.

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure Arianna will remember you soon. Why don’t you bring some photographs of the two of you on your wedding day or holidays. It may help jog her memory,” Donna suggests while raising my bed so I’m in a more upright position.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. It might upset her,” Eric disagrees.

“Whatever you think, Eric. You know Arianna best. Now let’s get some water in you.”

Donna puts the glass of water to my lips, and I gulp it down in one. It’s the most delicious water I have ever tasted.

“Well done, Arianna. Maybe later we will try something to eat, then we can take that feeding tube out of your nose, which will make you more comfortable. Now you get some rest.” Donna lays me back down and dims the lights a little.

I do feel exhausted, and it’s not long before I’m fast asleep.

My mind unfortunately doesn’t rest. I have nightmare after nightmare. It’s dark. I’m running away from something terrifying. The sound of harrowing screams fills my ears. I feel burning pain. Thick smoke fills my lungs, and I’m choaking.

I wake, gasping for air. There’s a lady stood beside my bed, petting my hand.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” She smiles sympathetically. “Just a dream.”

The small grey-haired lady puts me at ease, and I relax a little.

“I’m Elena. I’m your nurse in the evening. I get the pleasure of the night shift.” She chuckles sweetly to herself. “I’ve been waiting to see those big brown eyes for weeks. They are just as lovely as I expected. So beautiful. Such shiny dark hair and olive skin. Unusual for an English girl. You remind me of my daughter.” Elena speaks with an accent.

“Her dad was Italian,” Eric chips in from the corner of the room.

I hadn’t realised he was there.

“Ahh, meravigliosa, meravigliosa!” Wonderful, wonderful! Elena claps her hands excitedly. “Da dove vieni in Italia?” Where in Italy are you from?

“She doesn’t speak Italian,” Eric interrupts.

I reply, “Mi dispiace di non ricordare.” I'm sorry, I don’t remember. I’m surprised by my sudden ability to talk, albeit with only a croak of a voice.

“I meant she doesn’t like to speak Italian. Please speak to her in English,” Eric says when he gets a funny look from Elena.

“Okay, please forgive me.” She frowns, seeming displeased by Eric. “I’m also Italian. Such a beautiful country. I moved here with my family twenty years ago—” Elena is interrupted by Eric grunting in the corner. Clearly sensing his frustration, she changes the subject. “Right then, Arianna, let’s get you another drink, and then we will get you something to eat.”

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