Goodbye

The next few weeks were peaceful.

Ethan's memories were slowly coming back, but not all of them. Some days he remembered little things, and other days he remembered nothing.

Lily never rushed him.

She simply stayed by his side.

One afternoon, Lily received an email.

She had been selected for a six-month photography course in another city.

It had always been her dream.

But instead of feeling excited, she felt confused.

Emma noticed the letter in her hand.

"What's wrong?"

"I got into the photography course," Lily said quietly.

Emma smiled.

"That's amazing! Why don't you look happy?"

Lily looked down.

"If I leave now... what if Ethan needs me?"

Emma gently smiled.

"And what if you give up your dream because you're waiting for a memory?"

Lily stayed silent.

She knew Emma was right.

That evening, Lily met Ethan in the park.

"I have something to tell you," she said.

Ethan smiled.

"What is it?"

"I've been accepted into a photography course."

"That's wonderful!" Ethan said. "You always wanted this."

"I know."

"So... when do you leave?"

Lily looked away.

"Next week."

Ethan's smile slowly faded.

"So soon?"

She nodded.

There was a long silence.

Finally, Ethan smiled.

"I'm really happy for you."

Lily smiled back, but her eyes were full of tears.

A few days later, it was time for Lily to leave.

She didn't want to say goodbye face to face.

She knew she would never be able to leave.

Instead, she left a letter in Ethan's mailbox.

It read:

Dear Ethan,

Thank you for every memory we shared.

Even if you forgot our story, I'll never forget it.

You taught me what love feels like, and I'll always be grateful for that.

Don't feel guilty because you couldn't remember me.

None of this was your fault.

I hope one day you'll smile again without feeling lost.

And if our paths ever cross again...

I hope you'll smile at me the way you used to.

Take care of yourself.

Love,
Lily

That afternoon, Lily boarded the train.

As it slowly left the station, she looked out of the window.

She whispered,

"Goodbye, Ethan."

At the same time, Ethan returned home and found the letter waiting for him.

He opened it and began to read.

With every word...

His heart beat faster.

A strange feeling rushed through him.

Like something inside him was trying to wake up.

He looked up from the letter.

"Lily..."

For the first time since the accident...

He felt terrified that he was about to lose her forever.

END OF CHAPTER 14