53

As days turned into weeks, Ava became more and more worried. Why wasn't he waking up?? Why?? She was frustrated but never left his side.

Her heart raced as she sat by Alex's bedside, watching him intently. The early morning light streamed through the hospital window, casting a soft glow on his face. She had been tending to him, hoping against hope that today might be the day he'd wake up, that he'd remember.

As she adjusted the blanket covering him, Alex's eyelids fluttered. Her breath caught in her throat, anticipation building. His eyes slowly opened, confusion etched across his features.

" Ava? " he mumbled, his voice hoarse from disuse.

Relief washed over her, threatening to spill into tears of joy. She reached out, ready to embrace him, but froze as his hand raised, halting her movement.

" Who are you? " Alex's voice was laced with bewilderment, and Ava's heart sank like a stone.

Her mind whirled. How could he not remember her? She blinked back the sting of tears and forced a cal