Chapter 6

NYLA

I woke up again, my head still having the familiar throbbing pain I experienced earlier. I looked around the room, unable to find the strange man that saved me, the man that named me ‘Bumble’.

I laid back, placing my hand on my tummy, trying to remember what it felt like to be pregnant. Tears gathered in my eyes as I felt hopeless, I couldn't even remember my own baby. What kind of mother forgets she was pregnant. The tears didn't stop, it came like a sob and continued with loud wailing.

I searched inside my own head, digging through fog, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't remember anything.

The door pushed open. It was Doctor Emerson. He looked at me with pity but hid it perfectly well, his legs moved slowly till it reached my side. He stretched his hands to offer a napkin for my tears.

“Will I ever recover?” I sighed as I wiped my face, my throat burned from the wailing.

“You have to give yourself a chance to recover, it will take time but you'll get there with time.”

Two nurses walked in, one held onto a file and the other pushed a dressing tray. it never meant anything good. It meant there would be poking, and other painful things that came with being in the hospital. I laid down on command and went through a series of check ups. After what felt like hours, the nurses left the room and I was left alone with Doctor Emerson.

“What about my family….I mean has anyone come looking for me or any missing person report,” He hesitated for a hot minute before parting his lips.

“Not yet, but I'm sure someone will find you soon, but on the bright side, you'll be discharged today.”

I didn't know if that was good news or I should have insisted on staying in the hospital.

“Wouldn't it be easier to regain my memories if I stayed here? I will be properly looked after.”

“You're already recovering, there's no need to still stay here, partial memory loss can be caused by trauma, head injuries and the likes. It is temporary and you'll make a full recovery.”

“I don't know where to go, I can't remember where I live,” The doctor’s face softened as I looked confused. I didn't have any other option but to stay in the hospital.

“Don't worry about that, you have to rest now.” He left the room. I laid on my back, trying to figure out what to do next, and soon, I drifted off into sleep.

The smell of fresh fruits woke me up from my short nap. Kael was sitting next to me, as I looked down, a big and soft blanket rested on my body.

“You're awake,” He said without looking at me.

“Was I snoring?” I asked, trying to lighten up the awkward feeling somehow.

“It was awfully pleasing,” I smiled at his words. I didn't know how else to thank this stranger for saving my life. I saw the large fruit basket by the corner, and it made me sad. Not because I hated fruits, but because I felt I wasn't going to see him after I got discharged.

“I might not see you after today, but just know I'm forever indebted to you.” I tried to sit up, and he helped me, propping up my pillow so I would be comfortable.

“Why do you say that? Do you plan on running away?” He chuckled lightly, easing the built up tension.

“I will be discharged today,”

“I am aware,”

I titled my head in confusion, “Well, I won't be able to see you, because you will go back to your house and I will have to find my way back to my family.”

“You can stay with me, I will help you find your family,” he said softly. The words rolled off his tongue intentionally.

My eyes popped open, “Really? I don't want to bother you,”

“I insist,” He stared at me, as if waiting for my response.

“Very well then, thank you for–”

“You should really stop thanking me every two seconds,” He smiled, and I smiled back at him. He walked out of the hospital room, and after a few minutes, a nurse walked in.

“Good afternoon miss…Bumble?” She looked at me, and I tried to hide my laughter, what a silly name.

“Yes, that's me,”

“You've been discharged, I am here to prepare you for your discharge,” I nodded in agreement. “Follow up meds and everything has been explained to Mr Kael, I was also given these clothes to let you change in.” I stared at the bag. I stood up slowly and cleaned up in the private bathroom, and dressed in the new clothes.

Kael was waiting outside, he welcomed me with a huge smile as I was wheeled out. “Ready to go to my home Bumble?”

“Yes Mr Kael,”

“Just Kael, please,” He helped me into his car, and then he started his car.

“I promise my stay will be temporary. I will leave as soon as I regain my memory and I can locate my family.

“There’s no rush,” Kael said. “Recovery comes first. Everything else can wait.”

I turned slightly, watching the road reflect in the windshield. “What if I never recover?” The question dreaded my thoughts. I was scared of the outcome if I never got better.

“We’ll look for answers,” Kael replied. “But only when you’re ready. Forcing memories or truths too early can hurt more than help.”

We drove in silence till we reached a stop. The moment my feet touched the ground, disbelief rooted me in place.

The building towered above me, all glass and clean lines, rising into the sky like it didn’t belong to the same world as ordinary people. Light reflected off the surface, sharp and elegant, and for a second I wondered if I had misunderstood, if this was a hotel or a corporate building instead of a home.

“This is… where you live?” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Kael didn’t look surprised by my reaction. “Yes.”

That single word somehow made everything more overwhelming.

Inside, the air felt different, everything looked unreal. The lobby alone looked like something pulled from a design magazine, marble floors, soft lighting, art pieces that looked like he collected them.

The elevator ride passed in silence, my reflection staring back at me from mirrored walls. I didn’t recognize the woman looking back, but awe softened the fear curling in my chest.

The doors opened to a space that stole my breath again.

Floor to ceiling windows stretched across the living area, revealing the bay like a living painting. The decor was modern but warm neutral tones, clean furniture with soft textures

“This way,” Kael said, guiding me down a quiet hallway.

The room waiting for me was enormous. A large bed dressed in crisp sheets. A seating area by another wide window. Soft lighting that felt gentle. Even the bathroom looked like a private spa.

“This is yours,” Kael said. “Take time to rest. There’s no schedule.”

Relief washed over me so strongly it made my eyes sting. “Thank you.”

Kael nodded once. “There’s a bath already set up. Freshen up and we’ll have dinner.”

Left alone, I sank onto the edge of the bed, overwhelmed in the strangest way. Even though it felt unfamiliar, I still felt oddly safe and undeserving of such kindness.

The bubble bath helped more than I expected. Warm water wrapped around me, the scent of soap grounding me in the moment. For the first time since waking up in that hospital bed, my thoughts slowed.

Dinner was quiet, until Kael set his fork down.

“There’s something I want to discuss,” Kael said.

“I am listening,” I placed my fork down and swallowed.

I looked up at him.

“Come work for me as my secretary.”