Chapter 3

3.

"Sophie? What are you doing at the hospital?"

I knelt down, a surprised smile on my face, and hugged the little girl. Sophie was a friend I made at the hospital while I had amnesia.

During those days when I was abandoned in the hospital, I was lost and confused, with a giant hole in my heart. I drifted through the days in a fog, forgetting even the most basic things.

It was Sophie who treated me like a kindergartener, teaching me how to use the vending machine and walking with me in the garden. She made the cold, sterile hospital feel a little less lonely.

"She was playing too rough on the swings and hit her forehead. She's using it as an excuse to see you," Sophie's uncle, Julian, said as he walked over. His eyes lit up with obvious delight when he saw me.

"Oh no, are you okay? Does it hurt?" I asked, gently touching Sophie's little head.

She wrapped her arms around my neck and nuzzled my cheek. "It doesn't hurt. I just missed you so much."

"I missed you too, Sophie."

Julian watched us with a gentle expression, a hint of concern in his deep eyes. "Why are you at the hospital? Is everything okay?"

"I'm fine. My son had an allergic reaction, so we're in the ER."

"That's good," he breathed a sigh of relief, then immediately corrected himself, looking flustered. "Uh... I didn't mean it like that. I meant... is your son okay?"

His awkwardness made me laugh. "He's fine. Just under observation."

He was about to say something else when Eason's voice, sharp with anger, cut through the air.

"Natalie―"

I turned my head. His gaze shifted from Julian to me, his brow furrowing as if my smile was offensive.

"Leo is crying."

I quickly looked toward the hospital bed. Leo's rash had faded a bit, but he was in tears, probably from the discomfort of the reaction.

He pointed a tear-streaked finger at Sophie, his voice choked with anger and frustration.

"Who is she?!"

"This is Sophie. She's younger than you, so she's like your little sister. She kept me company when I was in the hospital."

"Don't cry, your tears will make your face itch more. You're the big brother, you should set a good example for your sister."

I don't know what I said wrong, but my words seemed to enrage Leo.

He started wailing, screaming, "She is not my sister! Get out! I don't want you here!"

He had never liked me much, and this wasn't the first time he'd told me to leave. I saw that his IV line was backing up with blood from how agitated he was, so I quickly stepped out of the room.

But I didn't see the way his little face crumpled as he started to cry even harder after I turned my back.