Chapter 6

I’m in a place where there are a lot of people I don’t know.

“Are you okay?” a girl asks as she approaches my bed.

Weird. Who are these individuals?

“Yes, who are you?”

I saw her felt relieved and I’m not sure why.

“My name is Kanela, and these are Madison and Micah.”

“How do I know what kind of relationship I have with you?” she asks, still unsure.

“At school, we’re your best buddies.”

I’m still not convinced.

“We brought you some fruits!” said by the girl, who was introduced by Kanela as Madison. She’s got a big grin on her face.

“Thanks”

“Would you like some?”

“Thank you, but no.”

The door swung open.

“Shiloa.” The man yesterday.

“What?”

“Do you want something to eat?”

“No.”

He takes a seat next to me. I snatched his hands in mine and murmured…

"Could you please ask them to leave? I'd want to rest."

"Why?"

"They are too clingy."

Finally, I've found serenity.

“Does your head hurt?" He said.

"No, I'm tired."

"Rest for the time being.”

"I appreciate it."

I closed my eyes and let myself be suffocated by sleep.

In the hospital, I did nothing but wake up, eat, and sleep. I'm relieved that they've already allowed me to return home; all I see is white: the ceiling, the walls, everything.

My so-called mother advised me to rest, but I insisted on going to school. Even though I'm blank for everything, who will be pleased and whole if one day you wake up forgetting everything, including the time of the accident.

“Welcome back to the School, Ms. Smith.” The man wears teacher’s uniform and I assumed that he’s a professor.

I simply returned the smile.

“How’s it going, Shiloa?”

“Can you tell me who you are?” He’s a little taken aback.

“It’s true.”

“Huh?”

“You’re suffering from forgetfulness.”

I left him without saying anything, and I don’t know who he is. Is that my name he’s calling out?

“Hey Shiloa!” the hospital girl, Kalena? Kalane? Nevermind.

“Why?”

“Let’s go to the cafeteria for some food,” she said as she took my hand and led me to the cafeteria.

I noticed the two girls waving their hands with us at a table.

“Are you all right now?” She asked, forgetting her name.

“Yes, aside from that, all I see at the hospital are white things.”

“Do you remember the accident?” She asked, pointing to my skull. “I mean, what occurred before you got that?”

“Hey Madison, stop that, auntie has warned us she has amnesia, so don’t force her to remember things.” The other girl said.

Madison, she’s Madison.

“What do you want?” Madison inquired.

“Huh?” I’m perplexed.

“Snacks, don’t worry it’s my treat.”

“Ah, the same as what you want guys.”

“All right, Kanela, let’s go.”

Kanela is the name.

“Are you sure you’re fine?”

“I don’t want to spend the rest of my life in a hospital.”

“I was so worried about you; thank goodness you’re safe.”

“I’m alright, don’t worry about me.”

“Yeah, the Shiloa now is still Shiloa before.” In a mocking tone.

“What do you mean?”

“Ever since we met you, you’ve been like that; you never tell others how you feel.”

“I’m not sure what happened, but I’m alright.”

“Okay.”

The girls have already placed the foods, and it appears that there will be a feast.

“Do you have vacuum mouth?” I wondered.

“HAHAHAHAH Loa you’re so funny.”

“How can we get this done?”

“Just wait thirty minutes and notice how quickly the food gone.”

“What are you doing, guys? Don’t let the food wait, let’s eat,” Kanela said as she began to eat.

With them, I felt a little more at ease. The never-ending stream of silly stories about their embarrassing moments. They even cited my embarrassing moment, which I can’t recall.

We return to our classroom, and I allow my mind to wander over the contents of the discussion.

Someone knocked while our professor was talking.

“Yes?”

“Good morning, Miss. Dean is requesting Ms. Smith at the office.”

“Why?”

“I’m not sure, Miss.”

“Okay.”

“Shiloa, the Dean is looking for you; you are free to leave,” she said.

I was ready to stand when I noticed Kanela’s furious expression. What’s the matter with her? I put it out of my mind and go away.

“May I ask a question?”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Can you tell me who Dean is?”

“You’ll see, Miss.”

“A-ah, okay.”

I kept my mouth shut and didn’t ask any questions.

Based on the sign on the door, we arrived at the Dean’s Office.

“Walk through the door; Dean is waiting for you.”

When I walked inside the room, I noticed a man.

“Welcome back, Shiloa!” exclaims the crowd.

He opens his arms wide, as if he wants to give a hug. I sat down instead of approaching him.

He acted, “Aww, it hurts.”

“Sir, what do you want?”

“Nothing, just wanted to say hello.”

“I have class, and if you don’t have anything to say, I’ll leave right now.”

“Don’t be that way.”

Huh? What is wrong with humans, for the nth time? I furrowed my brow.

“Ah, I almost forgot, my apologies.”

“Bye.”

He grabbed my hand just as I turned away from him.

“I’m really concerned about you.”

“I’m all right.”

“You’re not.

“As you can see, I’m currently conversing with you.”

“It’s the Shiloa I’m used to.”

“I have to leave.”

Do these individuals realize I’m still unable to recall? They act as if I recall everything. I didn’t let him utter another word. I simply turned around and walked away.

I’m back in the classroom. I noticed them running errands.

“How come you’re all so busy?”

“We’re working on a group project.”

“Wait, what project?”

“Model of a volcanic eruption.”

“Can I join your group?” It appears that I am the only one without a group.

“Of course, we won’t forget about you.”

Our teacher dismissed the class after a few minutes of discussion about what we should do, where we should do it, and other topics.

“Can we go somewhere?” I asked, hoping to de-stress.

“Sure, where is it?” says the narrator.

“It’s in the —-“

“Ms. Smith!” Someone called me.

I looked around and recognized the person who had excused me from class a while ago.

“Again?”

“I can’t defy his command because he’s mad.”

“All right,” I say as I take a deep breath.

“I apologize.”

“No, it’s not a problem.”

“I’m sorry guys.” I bid my good bye to them.

We’re both heading in the same way.

“So, sir, what’s up with the tantrums? “

“Stop doing that.”

“What do you mean, stop?”

“With your attitude, you act as if you don’t have amnesia.”

“Can you tell me what you’re talking about?”

“I’m not going to say it again.”

“I’m not playing games; I’m just tired of feeling empty.”

“What emptiness?”

“Don’t behave as if you don’t understand my situation; my head says it all.”

I’m still wearing my bandage because the woman who presented herself as my mother is too protective, and she won’t allow me go to school if I don’t put it on.

“Please accept my apologies.”

“Sorry once more?” For what purpose? “

“It doesn’t matter.”

“For the nth time, will you please allow me to relax during my free time?” I’m furious.

“Later, I’ll show you something first.”