My eyes burned when I opened them. The morning sun was warm against my skin, too bright after a long night. I blinked slowly, realizing I had fallen asleep outside. Beside me, Sky was still sleeping.
The sunlight traced over his features—his straight nose, the sharp line of his jaw, the way his lashes fanned across his cheeks. I caught myself staring too long, until suddenly his eyes fluttered open.
I panicked, turning my head too quickly—and pain shot through my neck. I winced.
"Good morning," Sky's voice was low, still heavy with sleep.
I tried to pretend I had just woken up, but the pain must have shown. He sat up quickly, concern flashing across his face.
"Are you okay?"
I forced a small smile. "I'm fine. Just my neck—it must be from last night."
He looked tired himself, but I could see the worry in his eyes. I turned toward the city instead, trying to distract myself. The view spread out before us in gold—the trees shifting into autumn colors, the streets glowing like a painting.
"Not bad, huh?" he said lightly, noticing my silence.
I didn't answer, still caught in the beauty of it, until he spoke again.
"Are you not hungry? You can't just eat the view."
I laughed softly despite the pain. His smile was genuine, easy.
"Let's go," he added. "And we'll get something for your neck—you can't ignore the pain."
His thoughtfulness surprised me. I wasn't used to people caring so easily, so naturally. For a moment, I just watched him walk ahead, until he stopped and waved me along. Only then did I realize I'd been standing still, caught in my own thoughts.
We wandered the streets until we found a small shop. My body was heavy from the night before—we had run all the way from the café, and I had left my car behind in the parking lot. Finally, food and medicine in hand, we sat down on a bench to eat.
Sky looked at me suddenly. "So, what's next?"
I chewed slowly, unsure. "Nothing much. We'll go back to the café so I can get my car. Then… back to my hotel. I need a shower."
He shook his head, stopping me. "No, not your routine. I meant—what's next for you? Where do you want to go? What do you want to see?"
His question startled me. I hesitated. "I… don't know. I don't really know this place."
He grinned. "I can help. Just tell me what you like. Clubs? Beaches? Mountains?"
I looked at him for a long moment. My voice came out quieter than I expected. "I'm not here for entertainment. I'm looking for something… something that connects me to my past life."
His expression changed. Serious. "What past?"
I shook my head quickly. "Nothing. I just… miss something. That's all."
He gave me a long look, searching for more, but finally said only: "Okay. As you wish."
Silence settled between us until we finished eating.
Back at the café's parking lot, I was caught off guard by his bike. It was sleek and black, detailed in ways I didn't understand—but beautiful. I liked bikes, mostly for their speed, but this one looked powerful, alive.
I was about to say goodbye when he held out his phone.
"Your number?" he asked. "If that's okay. You're not familiar with this city. You might need a guide."
For a moment, I hesitated. But then, without much thought, I typed it in. We exchanged numbers quietly, and then parted ways.
At my hotel, I noticed a familiar black bike parked outside. My chest tightened for a second, but I brushed it off. Without looking too closely, I went up to my room.
I lay down on the bed, exhaustion washing over me. My mind drifted back to last night, and to Sky. Maybe it would help to have someone show me around. But trust… trust was dangerous.
How could I trust someone I'd just met?
No. I couldn't. This journey was mine alone. No one else could know—not even him.
In my family, only my father and older brother knew the truth. The truth I couldn't run from: my past was missing. My childhood was a puzzle with too many broken pieces, and the biggest piece of all was her.
Mom.
I needed to find her.
I needed to find my memories.
Even if my family wouldn't approve. Even if it meant walking into shadows I didn't understand.
I couldn't let my past slip away forever.
I had to find her.