Chapter 3 - Blank Canvas

"It seems like she is in a fugue state right now," the doctor said.

"Fugue state?" The old man looked at him in confusion.

"I can't say for sure right now. She will need to be observed for days. But as of now, she can't remember any of her past life. There are a few rare cases of being in a fugue state. It is a condition where some patients forget everything about their life after suffering from a head injury," explained the doctor. 

"Are you saying… something's wrong with her brain?" He asked worriedly.

"Not exactly. They are usually people without brain dysfunction. It's sometimes because they're running away from something that is too painful to experience," he further explained. That was the only thing he could think of considering his patient's situation. He was already expecting that she would lose some of her memory considering that her head was injured. She could either have a few confusion or would end up getting her memories mixed up, but not totally losing it. Her head injury shouldn't cause her to forget everything about herself.

The old man became quiet as he cupped his chin with his finger. This situation should be advantageous for him. He once again, turned to the doctor and asked, "how long will it be before her memories will return? You said that it's temporary."

"Knowing when her memories will return is something I cannot say." He only said that it was temporary in front of the patient since he has already noticed her distress. "Especially now that she is in a fugue state. It can be days, weeks, months, or even years. Although it will be helpful for her if she is surrounded by people she knew. Having things that belonged to her should be helpful in gaining her memories back."

…

It was quiet in the room. Bai Jingye didn't speak a word ever since his grandfather left him with the patient.

The woman on the bed felt uncomfortable as well but she didn't dare to open her mouth at him. He was giving a 'don't talk to me' vibe around him. Well, it's not like she can make a full conversation with the condition she was currently in.

Not long, the old man finally came back with the doctor following behind him. Bai Keran sat on the same chair that he sat at earlier.

"Child, are you sure that you don't remember anything about yourself or your past?" The old man asked, looking so worried for her and at the same time, desolate.

Mengmeng paused and tried to remember anything but her mind remained blank. She ended up slowly nodding at his question. She was on the verge of crying. She was a woman with no memory of anything. She was clueless and filled with confusion. It was chaos in her head; she did not know where she was. How did she get into an accident? What to do? Where to go? She felt so frustrated.

Her hand unconsciously landed on her chest as if it was already a normal reflex of her body to want to hold something to help her calm down but found nothing. She only felt the bareness of her neck.

Necklace. Was she wearing a necklace back then? Did she lose it when she saved the old man?

"Um... Do I have anything that belonged to me?"

The bald man took a quick glance at the old man before answering, "we found your bag at the scene but... it was all burned... including its contents."

"How about… a necklace perhaps?"

The man shook his head and continued, "nothing. There was no necklace."

Maybe it was just her imagination? Maybe there was no necklace?

Bai Keran held her other hand with both hands this time. "You don't have to worry, child. I was with you when the accident happened. I know who you are."

"… You… know me?" A glint of hope flashed in her eyes.

"Yes, you are my grandson's fiance, Bai Mengxi. I'm so heartbroken that you can't remember anything about us, your family."

Mengmeng's eyes widened in surprise although what was shocking enough was that everyone in the room was looking at the old man in disbelief.

"Grandfather-"

Bai Jingye was interrupted by the elder as he continued, "let me help you remember, okay?"

"I adopted you when you were ten. You were close with my grandsons until you fell in love with one of them. The day after your engagement with Jingye here, we got into an accident," he said carefully as if trying to make her remember. "Do you remember?"

She tried to remember but… Nothing.

"It's too much to take in right now but don't worry, don't worry, we should focus on your health first. I bet you will remember some of your memories once you spend time with us."

The old man's eyes were filled with warmth and kindness that she wasn't even able to see through him. Was he telling the truth? She didn't know. Only her memory can serve as proof. What caught her attention was the gratefulness in his face. She was like a blank canvas that anyone could easily paint whatever they wanted on her.

On the other hand, the man who stood beside the old man had his eyes darkened as he clenched his fists behind him. Luckily, the woman on the bed didn't notice it because of the old man in front.

"G-grandpa..."

"Don't worry child, I'm here. I will help you remember everything."