“He’s been visiting and talking to your sister since you got married.”

“I don’t understand. Anyway, thank you for letting me know as well, Dr. Athanasios. This is the best news I could’ve received. When can I see her?”

“I just finished the initial tests. It’s likely she’ll be cleared for visitors by the end of the day.”

“That’s fine. I’ll come anyway.”

“You should know she might be confused about some memories.”

“I have all the time in the world, doctor. My sister is back, and that’s all that matters.”

Brooklyn

CHAPTER SIX

After I woke up,I lost count of the number of questions and tests they put me through.

At least a dozen hospital staff members crowded into the room.

Gradually, my eyes adjusted to the brightness, and I was finally able to take in everything around me. The first person I saw was him.

No one needed to tell me he was the doctor who had been by my side when I woke up—his appearance perfectly matched his voice: powerful and self-assured.

I couldn’t hold his gaze, though I could sense he was watching me the entire time.

Honestly, all I wanted was to be left alone. My head ached, and my mouth was dry.

Of course, my wish wasn’t granted, and by the end of it all, I felt utterly exhausted.

Finally, it's just the two of us.

"I know you’re tired," he said, "but I needed to make sure everything is okay. I can cancel your sister’s visit if you’d like, though."

"Madison is here?" I feel a sudden surge of energy, my exhaustion disappearing like magic.

"No, but she will be if you want her to. I asked her to wait until the tests were finished. In any case, the visit will have to be brief."

"It doesn’t matter. I just need to see her."

He stares at me in silence. The man seems unshakable, like an iceberg. In fact, his eyes looks like pure ice.

"What’s your name? I know you’re my doctor, of course."

"Athanasios Pappakouris. I’m the neurosurgeon responsible for your case."

Is he Greek?

"Dr. Papp?—”

"You can call me Athanasios," he corrects.

"Okay. Athanasios, have you seen my children?"

"Not in person. Your sister doesn’t bring them during her visits, for obvious reasons, but I’ve seen photos."

"Are they okay?"

"The only photo I had access to was from when they were very young. They were babies in your arms still."