After a few check-ups the doctor 'okayed' me and I was able to leave. My 'mother' was talking about how exhausting a coma must have been but the truth I do not remember at all. I restrained myself from telling her that except when the doctor had flashed a light in my eyes, I was just suddenly drawn into this heat as the sun scorched into my eyes…the screech of the wheels and the metal glaring at me…
I gasped and I think my mother had wrapped a protective arm around me. The doctor had shaken his head but he still allowed me to go so now I was in a car with my mum and Fuji-san. I looked out but found that the way to the house was not at the least bit familiar and a bit too complicated for my taste. Oh well, I must cope right now. Tall, respective buildings and houses whizzed by and even a park but I was still blank.
My mother kept on peering at me nervously and I was kind of irritated except Fuji-san was just looking out the window impassively so that kind of reassured me that this wasn't anything out of the ordinary. We finally stopped in front of a stylish Japanese house and I tried to recall the route we took from the hospital but to my great annoyance, I couldn't.
I just followed the pair in through the gate, a lovely well-kept garden and in to a roomy house with a spacious kitchen and another storey high.
I couldn't help running my hands along the counter-tops of the kitchen and staring around at the comfortable, timber-floored residence, "So this is my house…" I echoed.
My mom put hung up the car keys and grinned tentatively, "Uh…so, do you like it?"
I turned around and gave her a nod and I saw her eyes grow watery again. She sniffed, "Oh, honey – I'm just so glad to see you back…"
As I just stood there, she realised that I still didn't know my way around the house.
"Oh, uh – well, Fuji-kun can see you to your room while I give Pom-pom some lunch."
I stared at her quizzically, "Pom-pom?"
"Our cat," my mom supplied immediately…then I saw the ugly thing crawl out from under the sofa and I nearly screamed in surprise.
Fuji-san saw my discomfort and he gestured me to go up the stairs. I accepted and ended up in my room.
It was really 'wow'. Large and full of room there was a cute blue bed, desk and lots and lots of photos. Some with writing on them - others with pretty frames. They were pasted everywhere, on the walls – on desks… There was a flower rug on the floor and really modernised yet stylish lamps and shelves full of books. Near the swivel chair was a school bag dumped unceremoniously on the floor and one part of the wall was the wardrobe with mirror-doors.
I walked around and started looking closely at the photos. Most of them were of me and Fuji-san so I couldn't help wondering out loud.
"Were we really good friends?" I asked again.
Fuji smiled reassuringly, "Yeah,"
I happened to look at one that said in sprawly writing, 'Cricket Creek – where Fuji found out I was scared of frogs,'
It was a sticker photo with a frog nestled in my hair and Fuji trying to take it out. I looked really sour.
"Am I scared of frogs?" I asked, puzzled.
Fuji shrugged and when I saw another photo and turned to question him – he was gone.
I sighed, everything was so confusing.
"Yumiko! I made some lunch!"
My mom's voice floated up so I just took another look around before going downstairs.
Fuji-san was gone so I didn't ask.
My mom suddenly looked very business-like, if that's what you can say about a woman who had her cheeks streaked with acrylic paint.
"Okay, although you're a patient – after a week, you have to go back to school whether you recollect your memory or not."
I started to protest, "But I don't - "
She smiled as he cut me off, "Fuji-kun will walk you to and from home and he's in your class so I trust he'll help you out,"
I bit my lip; somehow I didn't want to become too reliant on him.
"Oh, and I will be in my art studios so when you come home, grab some lunch and have a break before you do your homework. That's practically it."
I sank lower in my chair as I stared at my rice. "Hai,"
My mom smiled, "Great! Then I suggest you get some rest as soon as you finish lunch, you had a rough time."
I nodded dolefully as I hardly touched my food. I excused myself and dashed upstairs.
When I threw myself on my bed, I just found myself crying.
The most frustrating thing, I realised, was to have no past, no present and no future.