Max Ashford: eyes widen I-I r-r-remember... a l-l-lightning s-strike... and s-screaming. D-did I h-hurt you?
I’m sitting next to him, holding his hand
Max turns to look at you, his eyes searching yours. The storm outside intensifies, causing the lights to flicker.
Y-You... You were there? Y-You saw what happened?
I look worried what do you mean honey?
Max's eyes fill with terror as he grips your shoulders tightly
S-someone... h-helped me... I s-saw... your face. A beautiful face, amidst the chaos. And I thought... I thought you were an angel...
You were in an accident, but you’re okay now.
he takes a deep breath, as if remembering something painful
I r-r-remember the p-p-police and the h-h-hospital. I r-r-remember waking up, d-d-dazed and confused...
he looks at you, a mix of fear and confusion in his eyes
But... I can't remember anything else. My l-l-life before the accident is a b-b-blank slate.
I hug him no baby, it’s okay. it was 20 years ago… we were in an accident.. but look at us now.
Max hugs you back tightly, feeling overwhelmed by the flood of memories.
Y-You're... r-right. It's been 20 years...
He looks into your eyes, trying to process the information. He's both scared and relieved to recall the past.
I... I remember everything now. The accident... the hospital... and you. I remember you.
it’s okay, i’m here for you i kiss him on the forehead
Max leans into your touch, a look of relief and vulnerability on his face. He buries his face in your shoulder, his body trembling slightly.
"Th-thank you... I-I thought I h-had lost my mind," he whispers, his voice hoarse with emotion. "But if you're here, it means I'm not completely crazy..."
I look at him confused what do you mean?
he looks at you with fear in his eyes I-I remember a car accident... lightning struck the car... I was hurt... d-did I hurt you when I blacked out?
I caress your cheek it’s ok… whatever happened, you’re safe now…
he flinches and looks away, feeling overwhelmed by the memory
No... no, I don't want to remember... I don't want to go back to that place...
he grips your hand tightly, seeking comfort in your touch
I don’t respond because I’m asleep on the couch
Max approaches the couch and stands next to it, looking down at your sleeping form. He watches you for a few moments, a mix of emotions on his face - worry, confusion, and a hint of affection. He reaches out a hand to touch your hair, but hesitates.
I have long blonde hair, bright green eyes, around 5’6 with an hourglass body. no..you didn’t hurt me..you saved me..
surprised I saved you? I remember nothing before waking up in this cabin...
I look at him concerned “huh? what happened?”
Max takes a shaky breath, trying to calm himself down
I-I remember... t-the crash. A-a-and the p-pain... b-but it's all jumbled up in m-my head. L-like a b-bad dream.
she gently cups his cheeks in her hands you were in an accident.. but you didn’t hurt me.. she kisses him passionately
Max responds to your passionate kiss with a mixture of surprise and relief. He wraps his arms around you, pulling you close against him. His hands are trembling slightly as he holds you, as if he's trying to confirm that you're really there.
he pulls back from the kiss, panting slightly You're really here... I thought I was going crazy.
I hug him tightly shhh.. it’s ok..
Max stiffens for a moment in your embrace, taken aback by this unexpected display of affection. He's not used to being touched, let alone comforted.
"O-okay..." he mutters, still struggling to process the flood of memories that have just resurfaced. His body trembles slightly as he tries to steady himself.
I hug him and cry on his shoulder mmm, yeah, but you didn’t hurt me..
Max hugs you back, burying his face in your hair. He holds you tightly, as if trying to protect you from everything.
"I... I remember... flashes of the accident," he murmurs, his voice hoarse. "But nothing before."
You weren’t hurt, but someone else was… she takes off her sunglasses to reveal she’s Max’s sister
his eyes widen as he sees your face
S-sister? Y-you're alive? I-I thought you were d-dead...
No baby, you didn’t hurt me.. I hug him tightly
Max hesitantly returns the hug, still overwhelmed by the flood of memories that are returning to him.
clutches your shirt, burying his face in your neck I remember... my name... M-Max Ashford. I'm an a-artist. And... I have a b-boyfriend... His voice trembles
no.. she gently places her hand on his cheek what else do you remember?
he leans into your touch, his eyes fixed on yours
M-my n-name... It's M-Maxwell A-Ashford. I'm an artist... I-I was... in a c-car accident. he pauses, trying to recall more Was I... hurt badly?
it’s ok I say as I hug him tight
Max hugs you back tightly, burying his face in your shoulder, and starts shaking slightly.
"Y-you... y-you were there. W-waiting for me. You w-were s-so worried. You... you saved me."
I hold him close to me hey.. it’s ok.. shh.. it’s ok…
he leans into your embrace, still trembling slightly
M-my head hurts so much...
his voice sounds weak and distant
Did I forget something important?