Episode 3

The day had started as a real chaos. My body was paying the price for having stayed all night at the hospital and, worse, for having gotten soaked in the rain. A cold had hit me, leaving me with a congested nose, a heavy head, and a tiredness that clung to my bones.

As soon as I got home, I changed clothes, but I didn't have time to rest. I took some cold pills, hoping they would take effect before returning to the hospital.

Michiru, my cat, was the only one who welcomed me, rubbing against my legs with his soft purr.

"Hello, little one… did you miss me or just want kibble?" I asked in a hoarse voice as I bent down to pet him.

He meowed in response and ran to his empty bowl, confirming my suspicions. I smiled, despite how bad I felt. I loved that cat with all my heart. I had found him years ago, abandoned in a sack, and since then he had been my faithful companion. Sometimes I thought about how cruel people could be to animals, but I could never hurt even a fly.

I made a quick coffee while my thoughts returned to that man without memory. What would I do with him? I didn't know who he was, or where he came from. What if I posted his photo on social media so his family could find him? Maybe someone was looking for him.

But… what if he was in danger? What if someone was trying to kill him?

I shook my head, feeling silly for thinking of conspiracy theories. Maybe he was just an ordinary man who had had an accident, but until he remembered his identity, the uncertainty gnawed at me.

I sighed, finished my coffee, and left home with the idea that I had to go to the hospital to see him.

When I arrived, I went straight to his room. I pushed the door gently and found him sitting on the bed, observing the floor with a frown.

"Good morning," I said, approaching with a friendly smile. "How are you feeling?"

He looked up and let out a dry laugh.

"Oh, I feel great to be here," he said ironically. "Note the sarcasm. How do you think I feel? I don't know who I am, or what happened to me."

I couldn't help but smile at his attitude.

"Yes, I suppose it's not the best day of your life."

"Definitely not."

I crossed my arms and looked at him thoughtfully.

"While we don't know your real name, you will be called Alexander Thompson," I said. "I'll give you my last name until you remember yours."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Alexander Thompson?"

"Yes, it sounds good. Besides, I think it suits you."

He snorted and shook his head.

"Whatever. I have no way to protest."

I shrugged.

"Well, Alexander… you'll be discharged soon. And since you don't have a place to go, how about you come live with me?"

He looked at me as if I had just said the most absurd thing in the world.

"Are you telling me that a complete stranger can come live with you just because he has no memory?"

"Exactly," I replied without hesitation.

Alexander blinked several times.

"Aren't you afraid that I'm a murderer, a psychopath, or something worse?"

I laughed.

"If you were a murderer, I highly doubt it. A dangerous guy wouldn't end up unconscious in the middle of the road."

Alexander rested his elbows on his knees and sighed.

"I don't know if you're too trusting or just crazy."

"A little of both, I suppose," I said with a smile. "But, seriously, you don't have many options right now."

He looked at me in silence, clearly debating internally. Finally, he let out a long sigh and nodded.

"Okay. I accept your offer… for now."

"Perfect," I said, satisfied. "See you later, I have to go to work."

I said goodbye and left the room, leaving Alexander lost in his thoughts.

He ran his hands through his hair and looked at the ceiling.

"What the hell did I get myself into?"

He tried to remember again, but everything in his mind was a terrifying void. He didn't remember his name, his home, his life… nothing. He only knew that that girl, Melisa, had saved his life and, for some reason, trusted him without hesitation.

She was strange. Who in their right mind took a stranger into their house? What if he really was a criminal? Not even he knew.

But for now, that help suited him more than ever.

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