Chapter 7

Scene I

When Lois awoke later that night she surmised she was dreaming once again. Her surroundings seemed so alien. The room was cast in surreal blue and purple shadows as the moon sat low on the horizon, illuminating her hospital room.

She realized that she was finally awake when she caught sight of Clark sprawled in the chair at her bedside. She repositioned herself to get a better look at him. His legs stretched out and crossed at the ankle. His large arms crossed over his chest, which rose and fell with his rhythmic breathing. She could only make out his profile, his face obscured in shadow, but she knew it was him, by the now familiar scent that hung on the air and the way that she felt comforted by his nearness.

He shifted in the chair, allowing her to see his face in the moonlight. He was even more handsome that the pictures she had conjured in her mind. Even in repose she sensed a current of power and energy from him. She recalled a memory--he was tearing away layers of her clothing, kissing her with such fierce passion that her lips were sensitive and bruised afterward. And to think, this gorgeous man is my husband.

She must have said that last part aloud because Clark stirred awake.

"Lois? Are you awake?"

"Hey you." It was barely a whisper, her voice seemingly grown rusty from lack of use.

"Hey yourself." He pulled his chair closer to her bedside and took her hand. His hand was warm and she loved the feel off her small hand in his large hands. It struck her a sexy. "I was starting to worry that you'd never find your way back to us."

She just smiled at him and he rewarded her with one of his own.

"I should get the doctor."

"No. Don't go. I only just got here."

"Ill be back in an instant. You'll hardly notice I was even gone."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"And then you'll come back and stay with me?"

"Of course." He felt like something was a little off about her. She normally didn't show vulnerability—at least not so openly.

She nodded her consent and Clark sped off in search of the doctor.

Scene II

Clark watched Lois casting furtive glances out the window on their drive home from the hospital. He knew she was searching for something familiar—anything that might jog a memory. He was well acquainted with that feeling.

"See anything familiar, anything you recognize?"

"Corn. All I see is corn." She replied dryly.

"Well, this is Kansas."

Lois nodded and continued to watch the passing farms as they traveled down the old road that led to the Kent farm. Clark began pointing out landmarks along their route, such as that's Schuster's Gorge, and over there is the Miller farm, places that perhaps a week ago may have had some meaning, but today were just a meaningless jumble.

At least he was talking to her. The long silence that had stretched out and draped over them when they first got into the car had unsettled her a bit. This morning she had been looking forward to coming home with Clark, but now she was afraid. What if we aren't the happy couple that I've envisioned? Isn't it true that we fought and quarreled often? Is that why I am unable to regain my memories—am I blocking something out? She gave an outward shudder at the thought. He noticed her slight shudder and watched as she rubbed her palms up and down on her upper arms.

"Cold?"

"No."

"Lois, why do you always have to be so stubborn? You are cold. Here, take my coat." Clark said as he shrugged out of his coat, and handed it to her.

She hadn't realized how cold she was until she felt the weight of his coat blanketing her. It smelled like him; hay, and aftershave and sunshine. She breathed in his scent, calming her ragged nerves. She closed her eyes and began to doze.