Page 8 of It's a Date (Again)

“I don’t remember anything.”

The doctor lets out the tiniest sigh and nods.

Maya rubs my shoulder again, and I feel Robbie’s hand gently squeeze mine. It’s like they’re both saying,It’s okay, we’re going to get through this.

“Your amnesia appears to be episodic as well, meaning it’s affecting your memories, not general knowledge or language. I understand this is extremely confusing for you since you’re missing memories and can’t remember personal details. But given your brain scan, your age, and overall health, I believe your condition is temporary.”

“How temporary?” Robbie asks.

“It’s too early to tell. It’s likely that the personal details will come back before the memories. I’ve seen cases that last a few days, and I’ve seen ones that last weeks or months.”

“Have you seen cases where they never get their memory back?” I hold my breath when I finish asking the question, bracing myself for his answer and wishing I hadn’t asked it.

Dr.Hersh nods. “Unfortunately, yes, but I don’t believe that will be the case for you.”

“Don’t believe?” I ask shakily.

Believe.He’s a doctor. Shouldn’t he know? Shouldn’t it be a fact? Not a belief. Isn’t what all those years of school are for? To just know things?

“I can’t say for certain. I’m sorry, Peyton.”

The beeping on the machine speeds up.

“It’s going to be okay,” Dr.Hersh says. “Just stay calm.”

“I am calm, super calm.” I force an unsteady smile. The machine betrays me, beeping faster.

“What can we do to help, Doc?” Maya stands from her seat like she’s ready to take charge and take action. “Are there foods she should be eating, stuff that’s good for the brain? Chia seeds or salmon? Should she exercise? Meditate? I’ve heard laughter is the best medicine. Would it help if she attended a couple of my stand-up comedy shows?”

Robbie rolls his eyes.

“Obviously, eating well is always a good thing. Avoid any strenuous exercise, just light walks are fine when you’re feeling up to it. Avoid drugs or alcohol. The best thing you can do is interact, talk about things that have happened, expose yourself to things you love, activities and foods you enjoy, people you know, places you frequent. All of that can help jog your memories and bring them back to you. I’m prescribing an antianxiety medication, a muscle relaxant, an anticoagulant, an anticonvulsant, as well as diuretics. They’ll help with any complications that could occur and will aid in faster healing and recovery.”

I can feel the muscles in my face pulling in all directions. He must notice my confusion because he angles his head and gives me an encouraging look. “Don’t worry, Peyton.” He closes up his folder, returning the clipboard to the end of the bed. “Your nurse will go over the medications with you in greater detail, and since all of your vitals look good, I can discharge you later today as long as you have someone staying with you at least for the next two weeks until your follow-up appointment. If not, I’ll recommend that you continue your recovery here.”

I nod along, although I’m not entirely sure what he said.

“I can stay with her,” Maya says.

“I can too,” Robbie adds.

“We can switch on and off.” Maya looks to Robbie. “To make sure someone is with her at all times. I’ll take days and you can take nights.”

Robbie agrees to the schedule. This all feels so weird to me. I have to be watched twenty-four seven by these people. I mean, they say they’re my friends, but I don’t know them. Heck, I don’t even know myself.

“I really don’t want to be a burden. I can stay here,” I say. A hospital is familiar. I know what it is. It’s a place where people get better ... or die, actually. Maybe that’s not the right choice, but I just feel strange, like an alien that’s been dropped on a new planet.

Dr.Hersh clears his throat. “I will say recovery in cases of amnesia is better at home surrounded by the people you love. Do you have family nearby?”

I don’t know the answer to that. How do I not know if I have family or where they live? “No, she doesn’t have any family nearby,” Robbie says solemnly.

“We’re her family.” Maya glances at me and firmly nods.

“Okay, then. Just to confirm, one of you will be with her at all times?”

Maya and Robbie nod.

“Good. Are there any further questions?” He tucks the folder under his arm.

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