Chapter 2

The room is dark as I lay on the bed, my left arm supporting my hand while Akemi's ring sat in the palm of my hand. It stilled look brand new; we only brought it a couple of years ago. A simple of our eternal love. Though where is that love gone now? My love has nowhere to go. No one to receive it and no one to give it to. Today we were meant to be picking up Pochi but I don't have the strength to get him. I hope he finds another family to love him. "I'm sorry Akemi," I cried, bawling my fist, and bringing the ring closer to me.

I curled my body, allowing the blankets to engulf me, trying hard to shield myself from the outside. Hearing my front door open, I tried to hide further into the bed. I don't want her coming in here. My older sister, Yuzu has travelled back from Europe to come see to me. Making sure I eat, I'm clean and at least attempt to leave the bed once or twice. I could hear her shuffling around in the kitchen. Plates knocking together as, I assumed, she prepared the store brought food. She never could cook. Even as kids she would rely on going to convenience store for our food. I miss home cooked meals.

"Toshio," Yuzu's voice came from the door. When I didn't answer, I heard her come closer before the bed dipped where she sat. "I put some katsu on the table," she advised, putting a hand on my back. "I'm sorry I can't stay today. Please make sure you eat the food before it gets cold."

I continued to stay silent, not being able to find my voice amongst the tears. After a couple of minutes of holding my back, Yuzu decided to leave. Even though she was so close, I still feel cold. Akemi's body is no longer by me to help keep me warm. Once I heard the door close, I could get out the bed, knowing Yuzu wouldn't begin to pester me. I pushed the blankets off me, the ring still tight in my hand as I made my way to the living room. On the table I saw the store brought bowl of katsu waiting for me, wrapping cling film. Yuzu clearly didn't have much faith in me getting out of bed anytime soon. I bit my lip, without Akemi, what's the point in sitting at the table to eat. I shook my head. I can still hear her voice, telling me to eat up. I need to get out of here.

I hurried to the door, putting on my shoes before leaving the apartment. Leaving my keys on the table beside the door. I felt the cold wind hit my cheeks as I walked in no particular direction. Some people tried to stop me but honestly, I could care less about them and their idle chit chat. I’m not sure how long I had been walking when I came to a bridge. Cars drove past, paying me no attention as I continued up the path until I was halfway over the bridge. I turned to see the river below me, water gushing against the rocks. I’m not sure what took possession of my body as I lifted myself onto the ledge, getting a better look at the water. One jump. That’s all it would take for this emptiness to go away. Akemi, will you be waiting for me on the other end? Will you open your arms and embrace me when we see each other again in the next life?

I closed my eyes, allowing my foot to step off the ledge expecting to see nothing but darkness when I next open my eyes. That’s not what I got. As my eyes opened, I groaned, feeling something down my throat and my body heavy. I can hear, machines? I looked to my left, seeing a woman I didn’t recognise sitting, staring at me in disbelief. She started to wail as she ran off, calling for a doctor. Did someone save me from the river?

A doctor came in, leaning over me with a small light shining in my eye as he used his fingers to open my eyes. My face flinched from the light and the doctor and nurse started to remove the tubs from me. “Aki, can you remember where you are?”

“Aki?” My voice was horse as I spoke. How long have I been asleep for? “Who’s Aki?”

The woman who was beside me began to cry, leaning over and hugging me tightly. “It seems a case of amnesia,” the doctor deducted. g

I opened my mouth to speak up again but this time nothing was coming out. The woman holding me continued to cry and it broke my heart. I don’t know why but I hugged this woman back. Just who is she? She’s warm. I melted into the hug, happy to feel some warmth for the first time in a month. It was different from the warmth I would get from Akemi but it was still comforting. Like a parental love. Eventually she pulled away from me, cupping my cheeks with both hands before kissing my forehead.

The nurse led the woman out as the doctor continued to examine me. Physically it seemed I was ok but where am I? I reached my hand up, feeling my face. My eyes widened, that’s not my nose. My breath quickened, what the hell is going on? The doctor had the nurse hand him a mirror and he raised it to my face. I started to scream, moving back. That’s not me! The hair isn’t mine. The eyes aren’t mine and why does this person look no older than 17?

The doctor but the mirror down, putting a hand on my arm. “It’s okay son,” he tried to assure. “I know it’s hard now but don’t worry, we’ll help you remember who you are.”

I would like to know that too.