Chapter 18: Meeting Olivia
Ayra's days blended together in a haze of medication and therapy sessions. She had lost all sense of time, and her memories remained elusive, shrouded in a thick fog.
One day, as she wandered the institution's courtyard, Ayra noticed a girl sitting on a bench, staring intently at a book. There was something about the girl's profile that seemed familiar, yet Ayra couldn't quite place her.
As she approached the bench, the girl looked up, and their eyes met. Ayra felt a jolt of recognition, but it was quickly replaced by confusion.
"Hi," the girl said, smiling softly. "My name is Olivia."
Ayra hesitated, unsure how to respond. "I'm... Ayra."
Olivia's eyes sparkled with interest. "Nice to meet you, Ayra. What brings you to this lovely place?"
Ayra shrugged, feeling a pang of sadness. "I don't know. I don't remember anything."
Olivia's expression turned sympathetic. "I'm sorry, Ayra. I know how that feels. I've been here for a while, trying to cope with... everything."
As they talked, Ayra noticed that Olivia seemed distant, her eyes clouding over whenever she mentioned her past.
"What's wrong, Olivia?" Ayra asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Olivia's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "My husband... Flynn. He was killed by... someone I trusted."
Ayra's heart went out to Olivia, sensing the depth of her pain. "I'm so sorry, Olivia."
Olivia's eyes flashed with tears. "It's just... I keep thinking I see him everywhere. I hear his voice in my head. It's like he's still with me."
Ayra realized that Olivia was struggling with more than just memories; she was fighting to hold on to her sanity.
As they sat together in silence, Ayra felt a sense of solidarity with Olivia. They were both lost, both struggling to find their way in a world that seemed determined to keep them in the dark.