Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Every weekend, Jonea makes time to go home to visit Miller, who is still being treated at the hospital. Since Jonea decided to play Miller's place at school, her parents moved Miller to a hospital that was farther away and less crowded.

Jonea stared at the reflection of herself in the elevator door before getting off.

"It feels like a long time since I've worn my favourite skirt and blouse."

She kept looking at herself, who looked beautiful with the long wig that day. A small bag slung over her shoulder. Jonea also brought a canvas bag filled with books for Miller.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

After knocking on the treatment room door, Jonea opened it slowly. She saw Miller sitting pensively on the bed, staring out the window. Jonea approached slowly so as not to startle Miller. Miller didn't respond at all to the appearance of anyone near her.

Jonea put the books on the table. She also took out a few boxes of strawberry milk and placed them beside the book. Jonea knew Miller really liked strawberry milk.

"Hey," said Jonea. "How are you today?" Jonea sat beside Miller and watched what Miller was looking at outside.

The girl is waiting. But Miller gave no response. The young man's gaze was blank and far away across the window.

"I know you must be confused and tired. Be patient. The doctor said this condition is only temporary. I'm sure your memory will slowly come back."

Jonea noticed Miller's cheeks getting thinner. His hair has also grown long. He looks so pale.

"Oh, yeah, I brought something for you." Jonea took out a photo album and handed it to Miller's lap. "Maybe this doesn't mean much. But, hopefully, it can help you to find your memory again."

As Jonea placed the photo album on Miller's lap, the young man started to move his head and stared coldly at the album.

Jonea really felt sad. She wanted so badly to hug Miller. But her brother would definitely refuse. Miller doesn't recognize Jonea at all, nor do their parents. Since awakening from the coma, doctors diagnosed Miller had lost most of his memory due to trauma.

Jonea's eyes clouded over secretly. She immediately looked up and held her eyes from crying.

Miller didn't touch the photo alum at all. He turned his head again and stared out the window.

"Soon, Mom and Dad will be here. Do you want something to eat? I brought your favourite strawberry milk."

Jonea stuck a straw through the hole in the milk carton and handed it to Miller. Miller didn't care at all as long as his hands were hanging. Finally, Jonea lowered her hand again and placed the milk on the table.

"Maybe you're not in the mood for a drink. It's okay," Jonea chirped. She tried to console herself, who was very disappointed.

"Oh, I have something else." Jonea shows off two invitations to the art show for this afternoon. "Axel gave me-"

Hearing Axel's name, Miller suddenly turned his head. Miller's unexpected reaction made Jonea happy beyond measure. She felt progress. Maybe Miller can remember something.

"Do you know Axel? Do you remember? He's your schoolmate. He was also at level two. I did not think he had a hobby of painting. Would you like to come to the exhibition? I could get the doctor's permission to take you out for a few hours."

Slap!

At that time, Miller suddenly pushed Jonea's hand away. Two invitations to an art exhibition fell to the floor. Jonea stared at the invitation and then turned to Miller with an unspeakable face.

"I told you I don't know you and all that crap you mentioned! My head hurts. Can you leave me alone?" shouted Miller.

Jonea was slapped. In fact, it hurt hundreds of times more than just being bullied by Miller's friends at school. The feeling of being rejected by his own brother was excruciating.

Jonea tried to hold back. She could understand Miller's confused and desperate state because he didn't remember anything about himself or those around him.

"Okay," Jonea said, taking a deep breath. You may need some time to yourself. I will go. If you need anything, you can contact me."

With a heavy heart, Jonea left Miller alone in his treatment room. Repeatedly before leaving, Jonea advised the nurses to really look after Miller and report any changes that happened to him.

When Jonea was about to leave the hospital and through the automatic glass doors, Jonea managed to pull the hood of her jacket over her head. A visitor who came in a rush almost bumped into Jonea. Luckily, someone grabbed the girl's arm from the side and saved her from being hit.

Jonea's body pressed against the person who was dragging his arm. Jonea could feel his stomach muscles hard against his hands. Jonea reflex looked up at the man.

'Elmar Delamo? Why is he here?'

"Are you okay, Miss? Be careful when walking in crowds."

Elmar smiled very kindly. He hid his face behind sunglasses and a baseball cap. Others might not recognize him, but Jonea recognized Elmar's figure and her own breath.

'He doesn't recognize me, does he?' thought Jonea. She was too shocked to speak.

Elmar frowned when he saw Jonea staring at him like a frightened person. "You hurt?"

"Ah-ah, no! I am alright."

Jonea immediately lowered her head. She wanted to quickly leave Elmar. However, a group of girls shouted at the hospital door, trying to chase Elmar.

Jonea was stuck in the door. She couldn't get out. The fanatical girls pushed her until Jonea bumped into Elmar's chest again.

"Fuck!" grunted Elmar. "How did they know I was here?"

Jonea was confused because she was in a sea of people. On the other hand, she saw that Elmar was also panicking. Jonea couldn't bear to look at him. However, last night Elmar had helped her get back to her room.

"Come on, follow me!" Jonea said while dragging Elmar's hand.

They ran away from the crowd. The hospital security guards swiftly secured Elmar's fans, who tried to hunt him down.

Jonea and Elmar were running along the hospital corridors. Until some nurses admonished them not to cause a commotion.

Jonea and Elmar were panting. They managed to get along until they unknowingly stood in a quiet alley before a door marked with officers' locker room.

Elmar laughed as he bowed. He took a deep breath. "This is so messed up!" he said. "But, thank you, Miss...?"

Jonea forgot that she didn't present herself as Miller. Jonea immediately looked away and turned her back on Elmar. She was afraid that Elmar would recognize her face.

"Miss?" scolded Elmar. "You are okay?"

"Ah—yes. I'm fine!" Jonea said, still turning her back on Elmar. She hid her head and face under the hood of her jacket.

'What a strange girl,' thought Elmar. 'When the others chased and chased me, this girl avoided meeting me face to face. What's wrong with her?'

Out of curiosity, Elmar approached Jonea and held her shoulder. He wanted to see Jonea's face.

Jonea was shocked. Unknowingly she had grabbed Elmar's hand, twisted it, and slammed his body to the floor like a bag of rice just thrown.

"Ouch!" Elmar whimpered in pain while writhing on the floor.

"Sorry… sorry…," Jonea said, panicked. "Really forgive me. It was... not intentional. I reflex. Do you know? I thought you were going to hurt me."

Jonea knelt down to check Elmar's state, who looked in pain. When Jonea touched Elmer's back, the young man suddenly turned around and caught Jonea's hand.

Elmar pulled Jonea closer to him. Their positions are now facing each other. Elmar lay on the floor, and Jonea sat on top of him. Jonea's long hair dangles on Elmar's cheek.

"I know you!" Elmar said seriously while looking at Jonea's twinkling eyes.