CHAPTER 37

I couldn't help but ask Mommy Gloria what she noticed about Hector. She spends a lot of time with him, and she might have some insight into my suspicion that he's starting to recognize me. We met at a restaurant near my condominium building, keeping our meeting a secret.

"Mom, I've noticed something about Hector lately. It seems like he's starting to recognize me," I said as we took our seats at the far end of the restaurant, close to a large glass window with a view outside.

"I know, Ara," she said. "Ever since he came home after discharge, he's frequently mentioned your name. However, I've kept quiet and haven't told him anything about your past relationship."

"It's impossible, Mom—he has two types of amnesia, and the results of his C.T. scan show that."

"If my grandson can remember him, why not you, Ara?" Mommy Gloria interrupted with a warm smile. I knew this was good news for her, but not for me. "I believe the heart whispers different things from our mind."

A sharp pain clenched in my chest at her words. I turned my eyes towards my plate while my eyebrows creased. My mind tried to push away my feelings for Hector, but my heart still whispered his name.

Mommy Gloria held my right hand. "That's why my son agreed to undergo therapy—because he wants to see you often."

I shook my head. "No—what about Maya? Does she suspect anything?"

"Maya knows," she said, making me even more nervous. "But I told her it was just a coincidence that you share the same name as the Clara Hector mentioned."

I fell silent. Maya looked so stressed the last time I saw her. She's probably anxious because Hector constantly mentions my name.

"Mom, it would be better to return to the U.S.—take Hector, Maya, and Marco with you," I said, thinking of Eric and Maya with a hint of concern. "His memories of me are just starting to come back. Let's not wait until he fully remembers me. It could affect his family, and I have Eric and our upcoming wedding to consider."

"Clara, hija. Are you sure? What are you afraid of?"

"Don't think about me, Mom. Hector shouldn't experience stress after surgery, as it could negatively impact him."

"My son and his wife will still be the ones to decide everything. What about his treatment?"

"If I must give up my promise to prevent these matters from getting even worse, I will. You can continue Hector's treatment there," I said firmly. I don't want Hector to remember me fully. I can't handle it, and he won't be able to accept everything either. We shouldn't see each other anymore. I don't want Eric to find out. Leave for the U.S. once the situation is resolved."

Mommy Gloria took a deep breath. "All right, I'll convince —" she paused when her phone rang. She answered it immediately, as shock registered on her face. "Hello...Ma—Marco... what's wrong?"

I was surprised when she abruptly stood up. "Okay, I'll be right there. Where's your father?"

I felt a wave of concern as Mommy Gloria seemed very distressed.

"Mom, what happened?" I asked after her call.

"Maya collapsed again, Ara; I have to go."

She grabbed her shoulder bag and quickly paid the waiter. "Keep the change," she said.

We hurriedly left the restaurant. As we stepped outside, I held Mommy Gloria's arm. "Tell me your address, Mom. I'll call the hospital now," I said, looking at her intently.

"Just come with me, hija. You have a car, don't you?"

I reluctantly agreed to go with her with a feeling of sympathy. We quickly reached their home in San Juan. Since it was close to the hospital, we could get there faster. Maya was still unconscious when we arrived, and luckily, she hadn't hit her head. We asked for help from a male neighbor because Hector was standing in the corner, staring at us in a daze. Mommy Gloria locked their house, and we all headed to the hospital.

***

"Don't worry, Dad. Hector and your grandson are okay," said Mommy Gloria. On her smartphone, I watched her talk to Daddy Ben. "We're at the hospital now."

We were in the E.R. waiting area. I had just returned from the 7-Eleven outside the hospital, where I bought some snacks. I sat down and took a bottle of Mogu-Mogu from the plastic bag. "Marco, come here. I bought some juice for you."

Marco stood up and left Hector, who was sitting across from me. Marco sat beside me. I inserted the straw into the open juice and handed it to him. My heart almost broke when I looked at his face; he, too, was staring into a blank space.

His eyes were still puffy, and I couldn't help but caress his cheek. "Your mom would be so proud of you for being brave. You saved her."

I glanced at Hector, sitting across from me, rubbing his hands together. And in my mind, his episodic memory impairment didn't affect his self-awareness. He was still aware of what was happening to him.

"Ate Clara, will Mama wake up?" Marco inquired, drawing my attention back to him.

I took a deep breath and smiled. "Don't worry. Your Mama will wake up soon. Now finish your juice."

I hugged him tightly. Marco was only seven, and a child his age shouldn't have experienced this hardship.

I was surprised when Hector stood up and sat between Marco and me. Marco let go of me and shifted his arms around him. I watched them with an inexplicable anxiety. I felt a sudden tension.

I bit my lip as if I wanted to talk to Hector, but instead, I spoke inside my heart. Hector, it's okay with me if you never recognize me again. I'm happy to see you alive and to have been a part of your past. While staring at him, I nodded to myself.

I didn't want to cry because we were in a crowded place. The E.R. staff passed by and greeted me. I worked here in the hospital, and everybody knew me. I looked away towards the busy hallway, and we sat silently for several minutes.

"How are you?" I couldn't help but ask. I turned to look at him, but he was staring into space.

He rubbed his face. "I don't know," he said, bending his head towards the tiled floor and occasionally messing with his hair. "I don't know why my son and I are here."

I bit my lip again and nodded. "We're here because of your wife. We brought her here."

His eyes mirrored his confused thoughts.

"Papa, don't worry. We're here to watch over Mama," Marco interjected. He was now the one providing his father with strength.

He curled his arms much tighter as if Marco didn't want him to let go. It broke my heart again because Hector used to be like that. He always gave me courage back then, and his son followed in his footsteps so well.

"Please don't leave me and my son," Hector said, snapping me back to reality.

Did he say it unconsciously? Was he speaking random words? I closed my eyes. If only I could, Hector. He needs me, but it's not possible.

"Maya is okay now," Mommy Gloria said, suddenly appearing before me. "Thank you."

I turned to her and smiled, but my eyes foreshadowed that tears might fall at any moment. Mommy Gloria paused and observed me.

"Mrs. Villanueva, I need to go to my clinic," I quickly said. I stood up, and Mommy Gloria reluctantly nodded. "I'll leave you here."

I stroked Marco's hair and hurriedly left them. I walked quickly out of the E.R., telling myself I shouldn't be here. I can't be close to him anymore.