VII

She couldn't stop moving. She couldn't sit still. Mary glanced out the window again. She was expecting Kyle to call any second or to see him right outside the door. He would come to her, he always did. A few hours ago Miss April had called reporting the attack at the office. Mary was expecting Kyle home any second after. Instead there was no sight of him. She was growing ever anxious.

Finally the doorbell rang. She sprang out of her chair, racing around into the hall and toward the front door. She threw it open, expecting to see Kyle who'd lost track of time as he was known to do. She remembered him getting home late after wondering through the city for an hour. He said he'd been thinking and lost the time. She smiled at the thought, opening the door.

"Mary?"

She stood almost frozen. She recognized the weary Kyle but the companion propping him up was unknown. It was slightly worrisome. The helper gave a smile, trying to act friendly, and offered Kyle to her. She stepped forward slightly, first feeling her boyfriend's forehead. He looked up at her lightly.

"Hey, Mary…know what time it is?" he mumbled.

"Nearly seven," she answered quietly. "Who is your friend?"

"Benny," introduced the companion. "I'm an old friend of Knock…Kyle! An old friend of Kyle's."

Mary sighed, helping Kyle off of Benny. Kyle continued walking, past Mary, and into the nearby table in the hall. It stood there, staring at his reflection, without another word. Mary turned back to Benny who simply offered a smile.

"Sorry, miss," he whispered.

"You're…an old friend?" Mary nodded.

"Yep. Came to visit and found him quite out of it."

"Do you know him…before his memory…I mean to say, did you know him before the amnesia?"

Benny looked toward the sky, avoiding eye contact. Mary sighed, waiting patiently for his answer. Eventually, he nodded, turning back to her. He nodded again, mumbling something.

Finally he said, "Yes. We…knew each other back then."

"Can you tell me anything about him?" Mary perked.

Benny looked toward the sky again, rubbing the back of his head. He closed his eyes, gave a sigh, and turned back toward Mary with bright eyes. His smile was back as he glanced around her to Kyle sulking in the back.

"Sorry, miss, 'fraid I can't do that," he nodded.

"Why not? I just want to know a little more about him," she turned to see Kyle behind her. He was practically eye to eye with his reflection with a look of distaste upon his lip. She looked back to Benny. He was still smiling.

"If I told you about who he was before, it would ruin who he is now."

Mary offered a confused look.

"Silly little miss, Kyle is practically nothing like he once was. If I told you about who Kyle was before, it would be like telling you of another person. I don't want to ruin your view of your dear friend, Kyle. I wouldn't hear of it!"

Benny then broke into a hearty laugh. Mary smiled lightly, offering a nod. Benny nodded back. He dug into his pocket, pulling out a sheet of paper and scribbling something down.

"Here's my number," he hummed, handing her the paper.

"You told me you didn't have a phone!" snapped Kyle, glaring over.

"Not one that's working at the moment, my friend. When I get it charged, you can call me if you need anything," Benny bowed. "I'm afraid I must be off now though. It's late and I'm sure I'm intruding on your dinner. Goodnight."

Benny offered a wave, marching away. Kyle rolled his eyes, standing up straight. Mary shut the door. He turned back to Kyle, coming over and offering Kyle a hug. She kissed him on the cheek. He smiled lightly but it didn't last. She led him into the dining room. He sat at one end of the table. She sat at the other end, placing food in front of either of them. Kyle didn't eat. Mary wasn't very hungry either.

"How many vacation days do you have?" Kyle asked eventually.

"A week, maybe two," Mary hummed. "Why?"

"Let's leave…"

"Leave?" She tried not to gasp. "When?"

"Tomorrow. Tonight. Soon," answered Kyle, glancing up at her.

"Why?"

"I don't want to be here anymore…"

Mary wasn't sure how serious Kyle was being. His eyes seemed to be looking past the world she knew. They seemed almost angry. She shook her head for some reason. He turned away.

"Maybe some other time," she mumbled.

He nodded, but didn't say a word.