The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Herman lost his memory after taking a blow to the head during a landslide. There was a blood clot pressing on his nerves, messing with how his brain worked.

James led Herman down to the basement lab, where Herman lay down on the exam table. James got out his set of silver acupuncture needles, inserting them one by one into key pressure points. The goal was to stimulate the brain and help break up the clot.

It wasn't the most pleasant experience-Herman gritted his teeth as the needles pricked his skin. James burned some mugwort nearby, filling the room with its calming scent. Between the acupuncture and the mugwort, the pain faded to something Herman could manage.

After about half an hour, James pulled out the needles. Herman wiped sweat from his forehead, feeling hot and a little numb.

He sat up slowly, rubbing his temples. "How many more times do I need this?"

"Three more sessions," James said, handing him a pill. "Take this. It'll help clear the heat from your body."

Herman swallowed it dry. "Will I get my memory back after three more?"

James shook his head. "No guarantees. I can promise the clot will be gone, and that gives you a much better shot at remembering. But that's all I can say."

It was hope, but not certainty.

Herman was quiet for a moment. His voice was low and steady. "Honestly... it doesn't matter that much anymore."

James nodded. "Yeah. Whether you remember or not, it doesn't change who you are now."noveldrama

Herman changed the subject, his gaze sharp. "What about Pattie's voice? Can you fix it?"

That was what really weighed on him.

James sighed, looking worn out. “Don't rush me. I'm already under a lot of pressure. To be honest, I'm about sixty percent sure I can help her."

He'd kept the odds from Pattie-no sense in raising her hopes too high.

"Sixty percent." Herman's brow furrowed, but there was a hint of relief. "That's good enough."

James laughed nervously. "Hey, don't put all your faith in me. If it doesn't work, I don't want her getting hurt again."

"If you can't help her, no one can," Herman said, straightening his shirt and sliding off the bed. He stood tall and calm, his presence solid. "I believe in you."

James just shook his head, feeling the pressure mounting.

Back in the bedroom, Herman found Anastasia already asleep with Emmie curled up beside her. Nancy was sleeping over with Salma tonight Anastasia loved the sweet, milky smell of the baby and she always felt content holding Emmie's chubby little hands and feet.

Emmie was as fair as porcelain, with delicate features, a real-life doll.

Seeing his wife and daughter sleeping peacefully, Herman felt a rush of happiness. Family didn't need memories—it was written in your bones.

Still sticky with sweat from the acupuncture, Herman took a quick shower. He tiptoed back, gently lifted the blanket, and lay down beside Emmie, careful not to wake anyone.

The three of them drifted off together, warm and safe.

These days, Emmie and Nancy took

turns sleeping with their parents. Pattie was eight now; she insisted on her own bed. She was independent, and though she was still affectionate, she felt she was too old to share the bed with her parents.

Sometimes, Anastasia would sneak into Pattie's room to sleep beside her. Pattie would tease her, "Mom, you don't have to treat us all the same, you know."

The first time Anastasia heard that, she was both surprised and proud. For such a young girl, Pattie was wise beyond her years.

Emmie slept through the night now. As soon as the sun peeked in the window,

she climbed on top of Herman, grabbing his nose and cheeks, trying to wake him

up.

Herman opened his eyes to see his little girl's chubby face inches from his own, and just like that, all his worries faded away.

When Emmie saw her dad awake, she squealed in delight, wrapped her tiny arms around his face, and planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek.

Herman laughed, wiping away the drool.

"Shh!" he whispered, holding a finger to his lips. "Let's get you dressed, but we have to be quiet so we don't wake Mommy, okay?"

His daughter was all softness and sweetness, impossible not to love.

He changed her diaper, dressed her, and carried her out of the room, moving as quietly as he could.

Anastasia, already awake, listened to the door click shut, smiled to herself, and rolled over, drifting back to sleep, happier than ever.

Herman was truly back.