**THE AIRPORT – LATER THAT NIGHT Fred’s hands clenched the steering wheel as if his grip alone could speed the car forward. Traffic lights changed, cars honked, and none of it matteredhe had one thought in his mind, Bethany.He didn’t know exactly where Jill had taken her, only that she’d been trying to flee. The airport felt like his only shot.When he pulled into the departure lane, headlights sweeping the curb, his eyes caught movement.There eneath a flickering streetlamp, a lone figure stood barefoot, wrapped in nothing but a hospital gown. Her arms hugged her sides, and her hair was tangled from wind and panic.It was Bethany.Fred’s heart punched against his chest. He slammed on the brakes, barely aware that the car had stopped before he was leaping out.She turned toward the sound.Her eyes locked on him—confused, distant… but then her expression shifted. The corners of her brows furrowed like something inside her was struggling to take form.Fred moved slowly, approaching he
2 DAYS LATERFred stood silently in front of Bethany’s hospital room, staring through the transparent glass as a nurse leaned over her, administering another round of injections. Bethany’s face was still. Blank. She hadn't spoken a word to him. Not a flicker of recognition, not a single name from her lips—except Maria.Everyone else? A stranger.Even Kyle had stopped by a few times, trying his best to be supportive, but nothing ever changed. Not a memory. Not a reaction. Just silence.Fred let out a shaky breath and raked a hand through his hair, the strands sticking to the sweat on his forehead. With a frustrated sigh, he dragged himself back to the metal bench in the hallway and dropped into the seat. The cold bit into his skin, but he didn’t care. He barely felt anything anymore.That’s when he heard the sound of footsteps. Light, confident. He looked up to see Ariel approaching, her expression unreadable.She smiled faintly and said, “Hey. How’s she doing?”Fred’s jaw tightened. “
"Natalie! Natalie!!!" Natalie blinked multiple times, realizing she had been daydreaming about what she planned to do. But something didn’t feel right. She knew she had to do this, but she didn’t want to see her best friend taken away. "Are you okay, Natalie?" Fred asked for the umpteenth time. She pursed her lips and gazed at him, giving a slight nod. "Yeah… I'm fine." "Are you thinking about Bethany? If you are… don’t worry. She’ll be fine, back to her senses, and hopefully not all—" At the mention of Bethany, Natalie clenched her fists. "Really? I feel like you don’t want her to remember me… what we had as best friends!" Shaking his head violently, Fred scoffed. "Are you crazy?" He laughed. "I’m going crazy for my best friend! All I want to know is why you wouldn’t want her to remember her past!" Shocked, Fred leaned in. "Are we supposed to have this conversation?! Don’t you remember when Bethany wanted to kill herself because of her past? Or have you forgotten her
Fred's eyes softened as he processed Bethany’s words. Who are you?His brows furrowed, and he stepped closer. “You don’t know me?” he asked softly.Bethany gazed into his eyes, tilting her head. “No… Are you the doctor?”Jill let out an awkward laugh while tucking Bethany in. “Oh yes, honey, he’s the doctor. But you ought to know me! High school… your home… your parent figure?”Bethany responded without hesitation, leaving both of them stunned. “I… really don’t know who you are. Can… can I see Maria?” she asked weakly.Jill and Fred exchanged glances before Fred exhaled slowly, palming his forehead.“We’ll be back, honey!” Jill forced a smile before dragging Fred out of the ward.Once outside, Fred yanked his arm away. “Stop controlling me!” he snapped.“I am not controlling you! But you had better fix this mess. What the hell is wrong with you?” She stomped her foot, her eyes blazing. “I knew you were no good—juggling two sisters like they were a pair of juggling balls. Do you have a
**AT THE HOSPITAL** Fred tapped his foot impatiently, waiting for two things—Dean to be caught and Bethany’s condition to stabilize. He stood up from his chair and glanced over at Jill, who was busy applying makeup. She hadn’t changed one bit. How could she be so carefree when her daughter was in the hospital? Suddenly, the doctor approached. “Mr. Fred?” Fred tilted his head, his voice laced with worry. “Doctor! How is she? Is she okay?” The doctor sighed. “She’s stable, but her memories are groggy. The last thing you should do right now is remind her of her past, present, or future.” “Can I see her?” Jill interjected, taking what felt like ages to get to her feet. “Yes… yes, you can. But remember, follow the rules if you want her to recover properly.” “Okay… thank you, doctor.” Fred gave a warm smile, then walked toward the ward without sparing Jill a glance. Inside, Bethany lay on the hospital bed, IV drips attached to her fragile frame. Taking a deep breath, Fred
FLASHBACKFifteen-year-old Bethany was washing clothes, occasionally glancing at her mother, Jill, who was playing the role of a philanthropist—helping other women. They would come to their house, and Jill would hand them good clothes and money. But despite her mother's generosity, Bethany couldn't help but wonder why they still lived in near-poverty. Her mother wore expensive outfits, yet her father and she barely had enough to get by."Do a good job and come back for more. Don't you dare make me look bad. I trust you, sweetie!" Jill called out, waving goodbye to the women before turning toward Bethany.Bethany set the clothes aside, crossing her arms over her chest. She watched her mother approach, admiring the confidence she exuded."My pretty baby... You're going to inherit everything I have, and I couldn't be happier!" Jill beamed.A smile formed on Bethany's face. "Mom! Can I try on one of your dresses? I love how they feel on my body!"Jill arched a brow, her expression unread