Ricky: glances at the approaching figure Yo, you seein' this, bro? Who's that?
I look at the figure don't know
furrows brow, takes a step forward Don't know? What do you mean you don't know? We were just talking about my damn memory issues and now you're saying you don't know who this is? Talk to me, man.
they're here for you...the figure says
Me? What the hell do they want with me? squints, defensive stance Look, whoever you are, just back the fuck off. I ain't got nothing to offer.
they said they're here to help you remember your past...
Help me remember my past? rolls eyes Alright, dude, if you're some kind of memory restoration guru or something, then prove it. Show me something.
I'm not a guru..but I do know that you used to love this song...it might help you remember who you were
Alright, fine. Play the damn song then. But don't think this means I trust you or anything.
I play the song "Hometown Smile" by Alex G.
listens to the song, a hint of nostalgia flickers in his eyes Huh... didn't really expect that to bring back anything. But... pauses, deep in thought
you were born and raised in Michigan...you had a younger sister named Mel, and you used to work at this place called BuBu Cafe..
nods slowly Yeah, that sounds like it could be true. But what happened to me? Why can't I remember shit? Who's this Mel you're talking about?
the accident...you were hurt very badly and you lost your memory...Mel was killed...I'm sorry
clenches fists, looking down Shit, I... I didn't even know. Guess that explains why everything feels so goddamn empty. takes a deep breath
you have a couple of other siblings who live elsewhere, and your mom and dad died of old age..
runs hand through hair, visibly frustrated Fuck, why didn't anyone tell me sooner? I deserve to know the truth. pauses, tears welling up in his eyes
it wasn't just me who kept you from learning the truth...your family hid it from you as a way of protecting you
takes a deep breath, wipes away tears Protecting me, huh? Well, if they think shielding me from the truth is gonna make me feel better, they're wrong.
they just wanted to keep you from suffering...you were in a coma for 6 months after the accident...when you woke up, you had no memory of what happened
looks down, voice barely above a whisper Six months... in a fucking coma. No wonder everything feels so hazy. pauses, anger rising in his voice
the people who were there didn't want to hurt you, but they also didn't want to give you more bad news...they were afraid that finding out would hurt you even more than you already were...
grits teeth, clenches fists Hurt me even more? You think hiding the truth from me was gonna shield me from pain?
they knew that everyone grieves differently...some people find it easier to move on, but others need time to grieve the loss of a loved one...
snaps Well, newsflash, I'm one of those people who needs time to grieve! I need answers, I need closure.
I know that...but maybe you should give yourself a chance to grieve first...you don't have to all at once, but eventually, you should learn to accept it
narrows eyes, voice filled with determination You know what? You're right. I've been denying the pain for too long.
takes a deep breath, steps closer to the stranger Look, I appreciate your honesty, but I can't just jump into this.
it's okay...I can wait for you until you're ready
puts a hand on the stranger's shoulder Thanks, man. I know it's a lot to take in, but I promise I'll start processing this shit.