My head hurt! Every part of my body hurt. Where was I?
"Richard! She is awake," I heard someone shout.
I tried opening my eyes, but the light was so bright that I immediately closed them again. Someone quickly closed the curtains as though they sensed my misery.
I then slowly opened them again. I looked at the tall man before me, who was also looking at me with worry and wonder.
The doctor beside him was also astonished as he proceeded to do some check-ups.
"Hello, who are you?" I immediately asked.
"I am Richard Stone. What should I call you? Do you remember where you are from?" Richard asked.
My head suddenly went blank. What was my name? Where was I from? I tried to think hard, but tremendous pain shot through my head.
"Don't force yourself. You had a concussion; being alive in itself is a big miracle," the doctor said.
"Don't ask her anything anymore," the doctor told Richard.
"Okay," Richard complied.
I tried getting up, but I simply couldn't.
"Let me help you," Richard requested as he proceeded to lift me up and place me in a nearby wheelchair.
I was startled by his actions but thanked him nonetheless. Richard politely nodded before giving me some warm water to drink.
"You are really a miracle. I had just come to the Huner and Muni border to oversee a project when you were discovered," Richard said.
I curiously looked at him as I didn't remember anything. "You seemed to have drowned. I can't tell; you just washed up at the shore where my business partners and I had a meeting. Dr. Fred noted that if we had been a step too late, you might have died," Richard elaborated.
I gently shook my head in understanding. "Thank you, sir," I said.
"Call me Richard. No need to thank me. By the way, it's been two months since we discovered you. We tried connecting you to anyone in Huner, but it seems you aren't from here. Dr. Fred also observed that your body has different scars that seem to have accumulated over a very long time; it appears you were abused by someone," Richard added.
I slowly took in the information before lifting the hand that was holding the cup. There were indeed several scars!
"So, we somehow stopped looking for your family after that. We feared we could accidentally return you to your attacker," Richard elaborated.
"Thank you," I softly said as I continued to drink; I was really thirsty.
"However, we are leaving for Dun country in two days," Richard said.
I was suddenly at a loss. What was I to do now? I didn't remember anyone at all.
"I just had a suggestion: why don't you come with us to Dun? When you recover your memories, you can come back anytime and look for your family," Richard suggested.
I thought about his suggestion; it would be good to trust Richard and the doctor. They nursed me back to health, and I didn't have anything to pay them.
Even if I refused and stayed, I didn't know anyone, so I therefore didn't have anywhere to start from. I was also troubled at the thought that I had been abused. Maybe my parents weren't good people? It might be the reason I drowned.
After weighing the pros and cons, I chose to go with Richard's suggestion.
"Okay," I replied.
"Good, I will tell my secretary to prepare the travel documents," Richard said as he stood up to make a call.
I noticed that Richard was a very sensible man. Although he had a stone face and barely showed any emotions, I could still tell that he was genuine. I liked his stone face; his name suited him a lot, I thought as I secretly chuckled.
Richard slightly turned in my direction, and I immediately buried my face in the cup, feeling guilty.
Richard finished making a call and turned back to me as he sat in the nearby chair.
"Well, the travel plans are made. I told her to buy you some clothes and jackets; it's going to be winter over there," Richard said.
I simply nodded in understanding.
"That necklace seems to be very important to you. You tightly held onto it when we first discovered you," Richard commented.
I immediately touched the necklace around my neck. "I don't know; I can't remember," I said.
Richard nodded in understanding. "I will get going; I have some business to handle. Just make yourself at home," Richard said as he stood up to leave.
"Okay, go safely," I slowly said. Richard once again nodded towards me as he left.
I slowly held onto the wheelchair handles and stood up, walking towards the window to look out. I didn't know why, but I felt very happy and relaxed; I felt like I could float.
I saw Richard's broad back heading towards the car. When he was about to enter, he seemed to notice something and looked towards my window.
I didn't hide and just waved goodbye to him. I saw him give his signature head nod before he sat in the car, which then disappeared from afar.
I slowly returned to the bed and sat down. After a few minutes, an elderly woman came in with a package.
"Hello," I politely greeted.
The woman gently smiled as folds appeared on either side of her eyes and lips.
"Call me Betty; these clothes were sent by Richard's secretary," the woman said.
"Aunty Betty, I hope I didn't bother you too much during my stay," I said.
Betty slowly walked towards me and sat down on the bed.
You were not a bother, child. Whatever you have been through, I think it was good that you forgot about it. You can now start anew. When I first saw your scars and wounds, I couldn't imagine someone doing such acts to another person," Betty sighed as she said.
"It's okay. I guess my resilience was strong. I survived after all, didn't I?" I smiled as I said.
Betty nodded. "That's good that you survived," she said, but I could tell that her mind was in a very far place.
"Look at me! I was crocheting some sweaters for those bratty kids outside. How could I forget? I am getting old!" Betty said as she stood up.
I don't know why, but when I heard "crocheting," I suddenly felt that I knew how to do it too.
"Aunty, can I also have the crocheting needle and thread? I seem to know how to," I suddenly asked.
"How can you crochet? You are still sick!" Betty exclaimed.
I helplessly smiled. "I am alright; staying in bed is also draining," I said.
Betty hesitated but later complied with my request. I immediately started stitching and crocheting. I remembered that Richard said there would be winter in Dun, so I decided to crochet a pair of gloves for him to thank him for his help and hospitality.
Days quickly went by, and the day of departure arrived. Aunt Betty gave me a crocheted sweater, and I gave her some gloves I made. She smiled brightly as she wished us a safe journey.
I then followed behind Richard and headed towards the car. "Sir, I made these for you," I said as I gave him the crocheted gloves.
I saw Dr. Fred laugh out loud before getting a glare from Richard.
"Don't take it the wrong way; I just have never seen Richard in such gloves. When I pictured it, I couldn't help but laugh," Fred said.
I then saw Richard slowly put them on. I had crocheted a grumpy cat on them, taking Richard's face into consideration.
The gloves fit Richard so well; surprisingly, they matched his coat.
"Hm? Not bad. What about me?" Dr. Fred inquired. I helplessly looked at him; I hadn't made any for him.
"Ignore him," Richard said as the car accelerated on the highway.
Suddenly, a convoy passed by us on the highway.
"Wow, it wasn't a lie; this wealthy hire in Muni country is really something. Just lost a wife but remarried in the next month? Cultures sure are different," Fred said.
I curiously watched the convoy disappear in the distance.
"Nothing interesting about him," Richard said.
We reached the airport and boarded the plane. I looked forward to the future.