Chapter Text
…foggy. Everything was foggy. The back of his head was throbbing. It was hard for him to open his eyes, but he managed it.
He looked down at himself. A bed…he was in a bed. There was medical equipment all around him. He could hear the consistent beeping of a heart monitor. A hospital, was he in a hospital? Was he sick? He felt like he should remember something that important.
Take deep breaths, he thought to himself. Try and get a grip. I’m in a hospital. I don’t feel ill, but the back of my head really hurts. Did I fall on it? Maybe that’s why I’m here!
He could hear faint speech from outside the room. It sounded like a young woman’s voice.
“E-excuse me, hello? Is anybody there?” he called out.
The speech stopped, and for a brief moment, all but the heart monitor was quiet. Suddenly, the door SLAMMED open. Behind it were two girls, one who looked no older than nine, and another, who looked like a teenager. They both ran into the room.
“NICK!” the older one cried out. The youngest had tears in her eyes, and jumped onto the bed, right on top of his stomach. She hugged him tight.
“Oof!” he forced out. Poor kid, she looked so worried. He pat her on the head, and tried to smile.
“Nick, we were so worried about you!” the older girl said.
He tried not to stare, but…what was she WEARING? Some kind of robe, with a strange hairdo, and a stone around her neck. Come to think of it, both girls were similarly clothed. Were they sisters?
“I’m sorry?” he apologized, unsure what else to say.
“Is your head alright, Mr. Nick?” the little girl asked.
“It still hurts, but I’m sure it’ll be fine!” he told her. He tried to sound as confident as possible, just to make sure the poor kid wouldn’t worry about him any longer.
“The doctor said it might hurt for a while. I’m just glad you’re awake,” the older girl said. “You were unconscious for a whole day! I was starting to think you’d never get up.”
A whole DAY?! Those miserable kids! He hoped he hadn’t caused them any trouble. Whoever they were, they must really care about him. Why didn’t he recognize them?
She must’ve noticed the shock on his face, because the little girl added: “But it’s ok! Mr. Gumshoe took good care of us while you were sleeping.”
“Yup. I’m…I’m awake now. And I’m sure I’ll be just fine,” he reassured them. “This may not be a good time to ask, but…do I know you?”
The two girls’ eyes widened so much he was impressed they didn’t pop out of their skulls.
“C’mon, Nick, now’s not the time for jokes. You really scared us! What would sis say if she knew you were trying to fool us at a time like this?” the older girl scolded.
“I’m not joking! And why do you keep calling me ‘Nick?’”
“Because it’s your name?” she retorted.
Was it? That would make sense.
Wait a second.
“I don’t remember my name. I don’t remember my age, or my job, or…anything!” he stammered. “I can’t remember a thing!”