Chapter 3
Will you stay with me?
"Here's your house." Kana places the key inside the doorknob and it clicks open. The smell of pine and cinnamon greet them and Kana always loved the way Lillian's house smelled. Lillian stepped into the small home, taking in her surroundings. "It's so.. cute!" She sang.
"What?" Kana watched the girl as she examined everything in her view. She traced her hand over the smooth wooden table resting in the middle of the floor, fluffed her pink pillow, opened her dresser, and finally checked the fridge.
"Do I really live here?"
"Yes," Kana couldn't understand why the girl was so excited about her own home, but then he realized having lost her memories, this home was brand new to her.
"I believe you. It looks like something I would want." She rests on the edge of her small bed.
"I better get going. Will you be okay here by yourself?"
The girl suddenly feels saddened by the boy's soon to be absence. "Probably," she says quietly. She dangles her feet off the bed, her toes lightly touching the wooden floor.
"That's not a sure answer," Kana rubs the back of his neck. I don't want to leave her by herself, but I can't stay here with her. I'm just a stranger to her.
"I'm just down the road if you need me," he says and turns to exit the house. The sooner he leaves the easier it will be for him to not give in.
He feels a light tug of his vest; a gentle hand pressed against his back. "Wait," a small voice says.
He stands there, motionless at her soft touch.
"I know I can't remember much, but I don't feel afraid of you. I feel comfortable with you around me. To be honest, I'm terrified. I don't know who I am or where I am, but I feel like I know you even when I can't remember."
He looks over his shoulder to see her face pressed against his back, her shoulders twitching. He turns his body and pulls her close to him, the scent flowers emanating from her soft hair. "I'll keep you safe," he whispers into her hair, his eyes burning as he holds back tears.
She pulls away from him, her eyes puffy and pink. "Will you stay with me tonight?" Her small hands still cling to his vest. Kana hesitates before answering. "If you want me to."
The girl nods, releasing her grip. "Yes."
"I'll need to put the horses into the barn for the night and check on a few things. Will you be alright by yourself for an hour?"
The girl bites her lip but nods nonetheless. "Alright. Don't go anywhere," Kana places his hand on the girl's head; a habit of his.