The Bound Between Us

Herman lost his memory after taking a blow to the head during a landslide. There was a blood clot pressing on his nerves, messing with how his brain worked.

James led Herman down to the basement lab, where Herman lay down on the exam table. James got out his set of silver acupuncture needles, inserting them one by one into key pressure points. The goal was to stimulate the brain and help break up the clot.

It wasn't the most pleasant experience-Herman gritted his teeth as the needles pricked his skin. James burned some mugwort nearby, filling the room with its calming scent. Between the acupuncture and the mugwort, the pain faded to something Herman could manage.

After about half an hour, James pulled out the needles. Herman wiped sweat from his forehead, feeling hot and a little numb.

He sat up slowly, rubbing his temples. "How many more times do I need this?"

"Three more sessions," James said, handing him a pill. "Take this. It'll help clear the heat from your body."

Herman swallowed it dry. "Will I get my memory back after three more?"

James shook his head. "No guarantees. I can promise the clot will be gone, and that gives you a much better shot at remembering. But that's all I can say."

It was hope, but not certainty.

Herman was quiet for a moment. His voice was low and steady. "Honestly... it doesn't matter that much anymore."

James nodded. "Yeah. Whether you remember or not, it doesn't change who you are now."

changed the subject, his gaze sharp. "What about Pattie's voice?

really

looking worn out. “Don't rush me. I'm already under a lot of pressure.

the odds from Pattie-no sense in

Herman's brow furrowed, but there was a hint

laughed nervously. "Hey, don't put all your faith in me. If

can't help her, no one can," Herman said, straightening his shirt and sliding off the bed. He stood tall

just shook his head,

with Salma tonight Anastasia loved the sweet,

as fair as porcelain, with delicate features, a real-life

wife and daughter sleeping peacefully, Herman felt a rush of happiness. Family didn't need memories—it was written in

took a quick shower. He tiptoed back, gently lifted the blanket, and lay down beside Emmie,

of them drifted off together,

Emmie and Nancy

she insisted on her own bed. She was independent, and though she was still affectionate, she felt she was too old to share the bed

her. Pattie would tease her, "Mom, you don't have to treat us all the same, you

that, she was both surprised and proud. For such a young

through the night now. As soon as the sun peeked in