CHAPTER 49

In the following days, my focus shifted entirely to Hector's treatment. I wasn't rushing to restore his memories; my primary concern was addressing his psychogenic, or dissociative, amnesia. My goal was to help him return to his former self as Hector. Kuya Drei assisted me with alternative treatment methods, and Hector resumed sessions with his occupational therapist.

Mommy Gloria and Daddy Ben decided to retire permanently from their jobs, choosing to dedicate themselves to caring for their son and grandson. I taught them the "reminder method," a simple strategy to gradually train Hector to recall information and improve his short-term memory.

I also placed Marco in psychotherapy. I employed "sand therapy" to address the excessive trauma Marco endured. The sessions brought us closer together, helping him begin to heal.

For now, Hector will remain in the hospital. I spoke with Kuya Drei, asking him to keep the details of his treatment confidential until we have more conclusive results.

During a conference with Dr. David and Hector's occupational therapist, Kuya Drei informed us that his general, physical, and neurological exams revealed no pathological findings. "There were no abnormalities in his biochemical tests or the second MRI, although he continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly vivid nightmares about his late wife."

"After his mental examination, I can confidently say that his IQ is within the normal range," Dr. David added. "He's alert and starting to reconnect with his parents."

It was a relief to see Hector making progress. Dissociative amnesia isn't a chronic condition, and I was optimistic that he would soon regain his lost autobiographical memories.

"His motor skills are surprisingly intact," Dr. David continued, clearly impressed.

"That's all for today. I need to conduct another examination on Hector," I said, gathering my notes. "Kuya Drei, could you assist me at the clinic tomorrow?"

"Of course, Ara," he replied, giving my shoulder a reassuring pat. His eyes held a gentle warning. "Take care of Mr. Villanueva."

We all exited the conference room together. Dr. David walked beside me as we made our way down the hallway.

"Doc Ara," he began softly, "Are you aware of the rumors circulating about you here? I've known you a long time... Is there any truth to them?"

I stopped in my tracks, furrowing my brow. "What rumors, Doc David?"

I glanced at Kuya Drei, who seemed to be listening intently.

"That you're involved with that guy—"

Thankfully, Kuya Drei stepped in, placing a hand on Dr. David's shoulder. "Doctor David, I'd like to discuss something with you. How about we continue this conversation over coffee?"

I nodded to Kuya Drei, grateful for the intervention, and quickly excused myself. I took the elevator to the sixth floor, where Hector's room was. As the doors closed, my mind drifted to that incident in the hospital parking lot when Eric and Hector had their confrontation. It was no surprise this was now fodder for gossip. I'd already spoken to the hospital director, who assured me it wasn't a big deal. Still, the hospital nurses and staff's sideways glances told me otherwise.

I stepped out of the elevator and turned down the hallway toward Hector's room. When I was just a meter away, I froze in shock—Eric was walking out of the room. He didn't see me as I ducked behind a wall, my heart pounding. What was he doing here?

Once Eric was out of sight, I hurried into the room, anxiety gnawing at me. Marco was the only one in there, watching his father. When I opened the door, he welcomed me with his usual enthusiasm. "Hi, Ate Clara!"

I sighed in relief. Hector was sitting up in bed, smiling warmly at me. Everything seemed fine. But what had Eric been up to? My heart skipped a beat, but I smiled and pretended everything was okay.

Marco ran to hug me, and I crouched to his level. "Have you been keeping a close eye on your father?"

"Yes, Ate Clara! Lolo and Lola will be here soon." Marco's cheerfulness had returned, a testament to the success of his therapy sessions. I was thrilled to see the positive impact they'd had on him.

I stood and turned to Hector, who was grinning like he used to. The man I knew was slowly coming back. I started walking toward him, but my phone rang, interrupting the moment. Rachel was calling.

"Doc Ara, you have a visitor," Rachel informed me.

I frowned slightly. "Alright, I'll be there in a minute."

I ended the call, said my goodbyes to Hector and Marco, and left the room just as Mommy Gloria and Daddy Ben arrived. On my way to my clinic on the ground floor, I wondered who this unexpected visitor could be.

When I walked into the clinic, I was stunned. "Melay! What a surprise!"

But before I could say more, she slapped me hard across the face. The sting left me reeling. I touched my cheek, shocked, and glanced at Rachel, who looked just as stunned.

"Melay, what's going on?" I asked, struggling to make sense of what had just happened.

"You're so selfish!" she cried. Her eyes were full of resentment. "I thought you were done with Eric, but why is he still coming to see you?"

Rachel hesitated, then added, "Sorry, Doc Ara, but Sir Eric didn't want to tell you..."

Melay's sobs grew louder. "I'm pregnant, Ara. Eric is the father."

The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I covered my mouth in shock as Melay ran out of the clinic. I quickly followed her, desperate for answers.

"Melay, wait! Please, let's talk." My voice trembled with anxiety. She stopped and turned to face me, her face streaked with tears.

***

We sat together in the hospital's private garden, both lost in our thoughts. Melay wiped her eyes, avoiding my gaze.

"Eric's been drinking a lot lately," she said quietly. I just listened. My feelings for Eric were no longer tangled; I had made my choice. "He's struggling. We try to cheer him up, and I'm always there for him. But one night, after he'd had too much to drink...he thought I was you. And, well, something happened between us."

I felt no regret for choosing the path that led away from Eric. I had no reason to look back.

Melay began to cry again. "You know what? I envy you. I've always admired Eric. But why did you just let him go like that?"

I looked at her with sympathy. "Melay, you don't know everything I've been through. I was torn between two men who meant a lot to me. It wasn't easy to choose."

"Why didn't you choose Eric?" she asked a hint of accusation in her voice.

I sighed softly and admitted, "Because I didn't love him."

Melay fell silent, taking in my words. I reached out and took her hands. "Melay, if Eric is really in your heart, take care of him. Love him, and he'll love you back. He's a good man."

She wept harder and then pulled me into a tight embrace. "Yes, Ara. I'll love him. Thank you for letting him go."

Later, I received a text from Melay. Eric had accepted her pregnancy, so now he had a reason to move on and forget about me. I felt relieved. He had earned my respect for stepping up. Ultimately, we both let go of our grudges and moved forward.