13 ANAMNESIS


    LUKE’S POV


    The sound of my rm clock was so loud that it jolted me awake from my slumber. It was nearly 5:00


    am. After turning it off, I sat up in bed and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I nced over at my friend


    Harriet, still sound asleep and covered in sheets. We had a wild night, and I was sure she was


    completely exhausted.


    It took me a few minutes to finally get dressed. I chose a sharp red suit and sprayed on a hint of


    strawberry cologne. My hair was styled perfectly, and as I looked in the mirror, I knew I was ready for


    the day’s important meeting.


    Today, ourpany was meeting with The Vitality Group to discuss a new project we would be working


    on together. I had already texted my assistant, Jack, who assured me everything was in order for the


    meeting.


    Last night was a nightmare, with those ruthless robbers appearing out of nowhere and wreaking havoc.


    We were lucky that the police arrived in time to save us, but the memory of the terror still lingered.


    My grandfather, who was celebrating his birthday, couldn’t shake off the horror of what had happened.


    It was supposed to be a special day, but it turned into a nightmare.


    As I made my way downstairs, I saw my cousin Riley watching TV. She was a smart seventeen- year–


    old, a true genius. She hade to stay with me for the holidays, and it was great having her around.


    “Riley?” I called out, causing her to quickly turn off the television and pretend to be asleep.


    Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I chuckled and walked over to her. “Cut the act; I caught you.” She immediately stopped snoring and


    sat up on the couch.


    I sat down next to her. “You’re a crazy girl. Were you really sleeping the whole time?”


    “Well, I woke up about three hours ago and couldn’t fall back asleep, so I decided to watch


    some movies.”


    I let out a sigh. “That reminds me of when I was sixteen. I used to do the same thing until one


    horror movie scared my buttocks to do since then, me andte–night movies are


    friends.”


    not


    Rileyughed. “Seriously, Luke, you were scared?”


    I nodded, smiling at the memory. “Yeah, that was the end of myte–night movie marathons.”


    Sheughed again. “I always thought you were fearless.”


    I chuckled. “Is that so?”


    She nodded. “Is your girlfriend still here?”


    “Yes,” I replied, wondering where she was going with this. “Why are you asking?”


    “I don’t like her,” Riley said bluntly.


    I was taken aback by her words. “Why not?”


    “She treats me terribly when you’re not around; she’s like a devil on earth. But when you’re here, she’s


    one sweet little angel.”


    I was shocked by this revtion. “Are you sure you’re telling the truth?”


    “Why would I lie?” Riley looked at me. “She locked me in my room all day yesterday and didn’t let me


    eat until she left for the birthday party. I have no idea why she hates me so much,


    I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. If this were true, Harriet would have to face the consequences of


    treating my family badly in her own home.


    I stood up, taking a deep breath. “I have to go now.”


    “Where so early?” niley checked her phone. “It’s only 6:00 am.”


    “I have an important meeting at work today, and I need to get there early.”


    “Oh, I see. I would love to work at yourpany someday,”


    Iughed, patting her shoulder, “Once you finish your studies, you know where to find me.” I smiled and


    walked away. “Take care, Riley,”


    “You too,“she waved at me. I smiled back before leaving the house.


    Four years ago


    ARIEL’S POV


    Andre and I sat together at the dinner table, surrounded by silence. I didn’t understand why, but I


    decided to remain calm and go along with it, refusing to be the first one to break the silence.


    Andre, engrossed in his fried chicken, furrowed his brows and nced at my te of vegetable


    lasagna. It made me feel a bit uneasy as he continued to give me that strange look.


    “Can’t you just have some chicken instead of this green mush?” Andre finally broke the silence,


    teasingly poking at my dish with his fork,


    Andre was a meat lover, while I preferred vegetarian meals. It had always been a source of yful


    banter between us, leading to lighthearted arguments,


    I rolled my eyes. “Seriously, Andre? Are we still doing this now?”


    He responded in aical tone, “Doing what exactly?”


    I sighed deeply and continued eating my meal. “Acting like you don’t know what I’m talking


    about.


    He chuckled silently and took a sip of water before continuing his yful banter. “You should try eating


    meat one day. Trust me, it’s awesome. The taste will blow your mind.”


    “Nah, you should try some of thissagna.” I yfully offered him my te, but he pushed it back


    toward me.


    “Thanks, but I’m good,” he said, returning to his fried chicken. After a while, he asked, “Can I ask you


    something?”


    I took a sip of water before replying, “What’s that?”


    “Have you been vegetarian your whole life? Like, since the day you were born? Or did you just wake up


    one morning and decide to change directions?”


    I couldn’t help but giggle at his questions. “Why do you want to know?”


    “I’m just curious,” he replied. “I want to know if being vegetarian is something you’ve done since birth or


    if there was a specific moment when you made the choice.”


    Iughed again. “Well, it’s just how I’ve always been. I’ve never liked meat or anything rted to it.”


    “Okay, then, Miss Lasagna. Message received,” he yfully bowed his head.


    I chuckled. “What are you doing?”


    “I’m showing you respect because there’s no way–and I mean absolutely no way–I’m going to give up


    juicy steaks like this.” He held up his fried chicken. “Come on, you should experience the taste of a


    perfectly cooked steak. Every bite is like heaven.”


    As Andre continued talking, I suddenly felt difort and pain in my stomach. I winced, gripping my


    belly.


    Andre immediately paused, noticing my distress. “What’s wrong, Ariel?”


    NAMNESIS


    Taking a deep breath, I replied, “I think my water just broke,”


    “What?” Andre’s eyes widened in shock as he quickly stood up. “But the doctor said your due date was


    in two weeks!”


    I nodded, trying to stay calm. “Yes, I know, but it seems like the little one wants to make an early


    entrance.” I forced augh, even though the pain was intensifying.


    “We need to act quickly,” Andre said, running his hand through his hair. “Just hold on, okay? Let me go


    upstairs and grab some things for the hospital.” He rushed off.


    I called my doctor, exining the situation as best I could, but the contractions were getting stronger


    and closer together, making it difficult to speak.


    Andre came rushing downstairs, holding a bag, and helped me up from my seat. We left the house


    together, and he assisted me into the car. He drove with urgency, heading to the hospital.


    “Don’t worry, everything will be fine,” Andre reassured me as I focused on my breathing.


    After what felt like an eternity, we finally arrived at the hospital. The staff quickly took me to a delivery


    room, and Andre stood outside. /


    After a few hours ofbor, I heard the beautiful sound of babies crying.


    “Congrattions, Miss. You now have two adorable babies, a boy and a girl,” the doctor said with a


    joyful smile, as I caught my breath.


    Tears welled up in my eyes, a mix of happiness and sadness overwhelming me at the moment.


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