As Valeria entered the room, she felt a sense of disconnection, as if she was stepping into a stranger's space. The room was lavish, with sparkling chandeliers, plush carpets, and elegant furnishings that seemed to gleam in the soft light. Despite the opulence, Valeria's gaze lingered on the empty walls, searching for something that felt personal.
She noticed something odd - there were no photos of her with Amanda, no mementos or tokens that suggested a close sibling bond. Valeria's brow furrowed slightly, but she pushed the thought aside, attributing it to her fragmented memories.
She made her way to the bathroom, where a hot bath awaited her. The aroma of scented candles and bath salts filled the air as she sank into the warm water. The hospital smell began to dissipate, replaced by the soothing sensation of warmth and relaxation. Valeria closed her eyes, letting the water work its magic, and tried to quiet her mind, but the sense of disconnection lingered, a nagging feeling that she was still searching for a sense of home.
The dinner table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, the soft glow of candles casting a warm ambiance. Amanda dominated the conversation, telling stories about their parents, sharing fond memories, and trying to bring Valeria into the fold. Valeria listened intently, her responses limited to nods, smiles, and occasional questions.
As the meal progressed, Valeria's curiosity got the better of her. She set her fork down, her eyes locking onto Amanda's. "Amanda, can I ask you something?" Amanda's expression turned serious, sensing a shift in Valeria's tone. "Of course, sis. What is it?"
Valeria's voice was measured, her words chosen carefully. "The accident... how did it happen? Do we know who... who did it?" Amanda's eyes clouded, and she set her own fork down, her appetite seemingly lost. "The police are still investigating. They say it was a hit-and-run... but they're working to find out more." Valeria's gaze lingered, searching for answers that seemed elusive. "Do you think they'll catch them?" Amanda's face reflected a mix of determination and uncertainty. "I hope so, sis. I really do."
As they finished dinner, Amanda led Valeria to the living room, where they sat down on a plush couch. Valeria's curiosity about her life continued to simmer, and she asked Amanda about her studies. Amanda smiled, "You're in college, studying business. You're really passionate about it." Valeria nodded, trying to recall anything about her studies, but her mind remained blank.
Valeria's gaze drifted back to the photos on the mantle, and she asked Amanda about the lack of photos between them. Amanda's expression turned wistful. "I've been living abroad for my studies, sis. We haven't seen each other much lately." Valeria's eyes widened in understanding. "That's why there aren't many photos of us together." Amanda nodded. "Yeah, we've been apart for a while, but we're close despite the distance. We talk often, and I'm glad I could be here for you after the accident."
Valeria's thoughts turned to the life she couldn't remember, and she felt a pang of sadness. She longed to recall the moments she and Amanda shared, the laughter and memories they had created together. But for now, she was grateful for Amanda's presence, and the chance to rebuild their bond.
As the days passed, Valeria settled into a quiet routine at home, with Amanda by her side. They spent their days lounging in the garden, watching movies, and engaging in light conversation. Valeria tried to piece together her life, asking Amanda about her interests, friends, and college life. Amanda was forthcoming about everything except the accident.
Whenever Valeria broached the subject, Amanda's demeanor would shift subtly. She'd change the topic or claim she was tired, steering the conversation towards safer ground. Valeria noticed the pattern, but she didn't press the issue. She sensed that Amanda was trying to protect her, and Valeria didn't want to burden her sister with more questions.
Despite her curiosity, Valeria chose to focus on rebuilding her relationship with Amanda. She was grateful for her sister's presence, and she didn't want to jeopardize their fragile bond. As they spent more time together, Valeria began to feel a sense of comfort and familiarity with Amanda, even if she couldn't recall their past. But the unspoken questions about the accident lingered, quietly simmering beneath the surface of their conversations.
Few weeks later :
The day of her return to college had finally arrived, and Valeria stood in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection. She wore a stunning outfit, a beautiful designer dress that fit her perfectly. Amanda walked into the room, a warm smile on her face. "You look lovely, sis. Do you want me to drop you off at college?"
Valeria hesitated, her eyes clouding over for a moment. The memories of the accident lingered, and the fear of cars had become a constant companion. "No, I'll be fine," Valeria said, trying to sound confident. "I'll manage myself."
Amanda's brow furrowed in concern. "But, sis, the college is quite far from here. Public transport can be a hassle. Are you sure you don't want me to drop you off?" Valeria shook her head firmly. "I'll drive slowly, don't worry. I'll be fine."
As Valeria made her way to the car, she felt a sense of trepidation. She took a deep breath, started the engine, and began to drive at a pace that was almost leisurely. The speedometer barely registered 10 km/h, and Valeria felt a sense of control wash over her. She was determined to face her fears, one slow kilometer at a time.
As Valeria pulled into the Crimsonspire Institute's parking lot, she felt a mix of emotions. The campus was sprawling, with modern buildings and lush greenery. Students bustled about, chatting with friends or hurrying to class. Valeria took a deep breath, steeling herself for the day ahead.
She parked her car and stepped out, taking in the sights and sounds of the college. The name "Crimsonspire Institute" was emblazoned on a sleek sign near the entrance, and Valeria felt a sense of pride and nervousness. She had no memories of her time here, but she was determined to make the most of it.
As she walked towards the main building, Valeria noticed curious glances from her fellow students. Some seemed to recognize her, but she couldn't quite place their faces. She smiled hesitantly, feeling a sense of uncertainty about her place here. Little did she know, her journey at Crimsonspire Institute was about to begin, and it would be filled with surprises, challenges, and discoveries about herself.