A/N: Third and final entry for the challenge at the quotechallenge lj comm. Slight mentions of slash, so don't read if you don't like.

Disclaimer: Not mine.

Lost Memories

"All the treasures of earth cannot bring back one lost moment."

French proverb

"Where's Marisol? Where's my sister?"

I told him to rest. I felt so terrible when he asked about Marisol. I didn't know what to say, what to do. It wasn't until later that I realized his memory might be missing more than just his sister's death. It wasn't until we all visited him together a few days later and I saw the vacant look in his eyes when he saw Ryan.

I knew he wanted to ask who he was, but he held his tongue. I instantly felt that it was my fault, that in abandoning my chance to remind Eric of everything that had happened I had destroyed the friendship that he and Ryan had finally built.

I didn't look at Ryan; I didn't want to see his reaction to Eric's vacant eyes.

"Hey," Eric choked out. I was standing beside Alexx, who had insisted on sitting next to him, H was standing by the window, and Ryan was lingering in the doorway. I could see him leaning against the wall out of the corner of my eye, but still, I did not turn to look at his face.

"Hello, Eric," H said. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm good," Eric said. At first, the word 'good' had caught in his throat and a small bought of tentative coughing had been necessary to get it out. I saw Alexx's hand tighten on his, and I also saw his other hand gesture to Horatio.

H leaned down and Eric whispered something to him. I couldn't hear what he said, but I think Alexx may have caught some of hit because the frown on her face deepened. When H stood up, his gaze immediately went to Ryan.

And I knew.

"Mr. Wolfe, a word?" Horatio said. He and Ryan left the room, leaving me and Alexx with Eric.

"You don't remember him, do you, honey?" Alexx asked. Eric tried to shake his head, but finally just had to say "No." Alexx nodded.

"Who is he?" Eric whispered. Alexx looked up at me, but I avoided her gaze, looking all around the room except at the bed. Eventually, Alexx nudged me and I was forced to acknowledge that I had in fact heard the exchange.

"He came after Speed died," I said. Eric inclined his head slightly, his best attempt at a nod. I could see H and Ryan through the window. The younger man gazing at Eric while Horatio explained the predicament.

"He loves you, Eric," I heard Alexx whisper. I looked back at her, first glancing at Eric. He had fallen asleep, and the confusion on my face deepened. Alexx looked at me and shrugged.

"Will he ever remember?" I asked. Alexx sighed.

"Eventually," she replied. At that moment, H returned. I saw Ryan retreating towards the Hospital's exit and I excused myself so I could follow.

"I'm sorry," I said when I'd caught up to him.

"For what?" he asked, his voice clipped.

"He asked about Marisol, but I never thought," I swallowed. "I never thought that he would forget so far back."

"He didn't," Ryan replied, I could hear the tears in his voice, but he was doing a good job of keeping them from falling.

"What?" I asked, confused for the second time in one day.

"He didn't forget me, Calleigh," he said. "It's just, the last thing he remembers is, well, me as Speed's replacement."

"I'm sorry, Ryan," I said again, but he shook his head.

"It's fine. I should have known." I watched him walk away, my own tears beginning to fall. I really was sorry, because I truly felt that it was my fault.

I had had the chance to remind Eric of all he'd forgotten, and I had let it pass.