Dawn, Alex and the twins were still buzzing from the graduation high. The house felt warm, like joy was literally bouncing around the walls. Dawn kept looking at Jason and Leslie and smiling to herself — proud of them, proud of how she raised them, proud she didn't completely fall apart even when life tried her a million times.
A knock came out of nowhere, loud enough to cut the laughter in half.
Alex groaned, stood up and went to open it.
It was Daphne.
"Good evening," she greeted softly, walking inside.
Jason and Leslie straightened up immediately. Dawn sat up too, sensing something off.
"I know you guys are probably pissed that I didn't come for your graduation," Daphne said, her voice already apologizing. "You have every right to be mad… but I swear, I was with the doctor."
"Doctor?" Dawn asked, her smile dying a bit as worry rushed into her chest.
Daphne nodded. "He called me today. Adam's condition… it's getting worse."
Dawn blinked fast. "Worse? But why? I left the house, I thought it would help him heal faster."
"I don't know, Dawn." Daphne sighed. "But I have a favor to ask."
"Anything," Dawn said immediately.
"The doctor advised we shouldn't trigger memories. So… I want you to be his babysitter for a few days."
Dawn's eyebrows pinched together. "But won't that cause more problems? I mean… what if he tries to remember me?"
"That's why it's temporary," Daphne explained. "You're not staying there. Just checking on him, taking care of him a bit."
Dawn hesitated. "And Ava? What about her?"
"Ava can't do it alone. She's trying, and she'll be fine with this. Trust me."
"Okay… I'll start tomorrow," Dawn said quietly. "Tonight I just want to spend time with my kids."
Daphne clapped a little. "Speaking of spending time — how about we go out and celebrate? Let me make up for missing your big day. Have you forgiven me?"
"We were never angry," Leslie said dramatically, flipping her hair. "You're sweet… and also rich."
"I second that," Jason added.
Daphne laughed. "Alright then. Let's go have some fun."
They all grabbed their things and went out, talking over each other the whole way.
* * * * * *
Ava placed lunch on the table for Adam and walked back to the kitchen to tidy up a bit. When she came back and sat down, Adam watched her closely.
"Why are you so moody?" he asked.
"I'm fine," she said quickly.
"Ava… you're lying. It feels like I don't even know you anymore."
She stared at him, stunned. "I'm trapped between being a saint or the opposite. My whole life I've been wronged, but it still hurts seeing the person who hurt me… hurting."
"Who's hurting you?" Adam asked immediately.
"It's… the past. Don't worry about it. Let's eat."
He nodded slowly, even though he clearly didn't understand. They ate quietly. Ava kept stealing glances at him, afraid, hopeful, angry — all mixed together. She wasn't ready to have her heart broken again, not after everything.
* * * * * *
The next morning, Dawn arrived at the Manchester house with her heart thumping. A part of her hoped stupidly that being close to him again might spark something in him. Maybe not love instantly, but something small.
The house looked the same but felt wrong. It used to be her home. Now it felt like a hotel with her memories thrown out.
She walked into Adam's room. Her picture was gone. That one hurt even though she knew why. Everything else looked untouched.
She was staring at one of his framed photos, trying not to cry, when a voice came behind her.
"Excuse me?"
She turned so fast she almost stumbled. Adam was at the door, looking at her like she was a stranger trespassing.
"Sorry," he said quickly. "Didn't mean to scare you."
"It's fine," she whispered.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, genuinely confused.
"I… um… I came to see Ava. I didn't see her downstairs so I thought maybe she's here," Dawn lied.
"She's not. But I think I saw her in the kitchen."
"Oh. Right. Okay… I'll check."
She walked toward the door but paused.
"Um… Adam, right?"
"Yes. Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing. Ava told me… um… a lot about you."
"Positively, I hope," he said with a tiny smile.
"Yes. Of course." She swallowed. "Take care of yourself, Adam."
She left quickly.
When she entered the kitchen, Ava was cooking. Her face froze when she saw Dawn.
"What are you doing here?" Ava whispered sharply. "Are you trying to make his condition worse?"
"What? I came to check up on my husband," Dawn replied, feeling heat rise in her chest.
"Look, I'm sorry," Ava said, sighing. "I just… the doctor said we shouldn't trigger memories."
"I'm not doing anything wrong," Dawn muttered. "I just wanted to see him."
"Fine. Join us for breakfast," Ava said, her voice softening.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. It's okay."
A few minutes later, everyone sat at the table. Daphne came down and smiled when she saw Dawn already there.
"I didn't catch your name," Adam said suddenly, looking at Dawn.
"Oh. I'm Dawn. Dawn Manches .... Collins."
Adam nodded. "Since you know so much about me… how about we know about you?"
"There's nothing much to know," Dawn said shyly.
"Ava said you're a good person. And that you raised your siblings and they just graduated from high school."
Dawn glanced at Ava, smiling a little. "She praises me too much, but yeah… that part is true."
The rest of breakfast went quietly.
Afterward, Dawn helped Ava with the dishes.
"So you've been talking about me?" Dawn teased softly.
"Don't flatter yourself," Ava muttered, trying not to smile.
"Thank you for everything," Dawn said.
Ava nodded.
"And… I'm sorry. For the accusations. For everything."
"I forgave you already."
Dawn leaned on the counter. "I just wish Adam can remember again. I want our life back… our family."
"It's just time. Be patient," Ava said, patting her arm.
"I still can't believe he doesn't remember me. Not even our wedding…"
Ava rolled her eyes jokingly. "Maybe it's a sign that you should remarry, so I can be your bridesmaid this time."
They laughed —
And that's exactly when Adam walked in.
"Our wedding?" he asked quietly.
Everyone froze.