Chapter 15: Feeling Like a Ghost
Once Simon and Theodore stopped hugging, they both went upstairs, and Theodore switched into his super hero costume. Alvin saw them, and didn't want to be left out, so he also got into his super hero costume. The three chipmunk brothers played with the Chipettes, pretending to be super heroes and having fun! Throughout the day, the Chipmunks and Chipettes all played games, pretended to be something else for fun, or just hung out. Soon, when the whole family was done having dinner and relaxing, it was time for bed.
Everyone got into bed and was sleeping peacefully. Several hours later, Simon was struggling to fall sleep. His mind kept playing back the memory of how he couldn't remember Theodore at the hospital, and it was really bothering him. Simon just laid in bed, thinking about how he and Theodore were having a good time bonding. Suddenly, Simon really thought hard about the interactions he had with Theodore, and realized something; even though he was able to say Theodore's name, Simon still couldn't remember anything about Theodore. Simon was concerned at this point if he would ever remember his little brother the way he did before. Also, even if he did get his memory back, what if Simon forgot about all the times he had re-bonding with Theodore? What if all of those memories vanished like how he couldn't remember anything about Simone on the island?
Simon's eyes started to water, and he quietly cried in bed with his back faced to everyone. Simon felt both scared and hurt. He didn't want to be like this forever, but he also wanted to remember the good time he had while he was bonding with Theodore. In truth, Simon felt like a ghost of his inner self. A ghost that lived in a world where he couldn't remember Theodore, but still wanted to be around him. Simon both hated, and was nervous about the feelings he was having. Simon didn't know what to do. He needed advice.
Knowing he wouldn't be able to get to sleep with so many emotions going through his mind and body, Simon quietly got out of bed, and went to Dave's bedroom. Dave was lying on his bed with his lamp on, and looking like he was trying to relax more than sleeping. Simon walked over to Dave's bed and jumped up onto the covers.
"Dave? Dave, can I please talk to you?" Simon asked as Dave slowly opened his eyes, and looked down at the chipmunk. Dave had a concerned look on his face as he asked: "Simon? What's wrong?" Simon looked at Dave with a look of confusion, loss, helplessness, and the need for a friend.
"Dave, I need your help. I need-" Simon began but didn't finish what he was trying to say, because in that moment, Simon was so overwhelmed with emotions, that he put his paws to his face, and cried hard.
"Simon," Dave said as he grabbed his bespectacled son, and gave him a hug as he let Simon cry into his pajama shirt.
"I-I-I-I'm scared, Dave! I don't know what to do!" Simon blurted out before he continued to cry. Dave felt so sorry for Simon; Simon was always the mature, responsible, kind, caring brother. To see him so upset where he cried was a clear sign that something was bothering him. After Simon had some time to calm down, Dave looked at his son and asked: "Simon, it's okay. You can tell me anything. What's wrong?" Simon took some deep breaths before he began.
"Dave, I'm nervous. I know that I've been spending time with Theodore, and I know that I have been saying his name, but I'm nervous that I'll never remember him. I'm not the same Simon that I was before. It's like I've lost a part of me. Theodore was always my friend and my brother since we were born, but this is all new to me!" Simon explained before looking away and taking some more deep breaths. Simon took a minute, and then looked back at Dave as he continued.
"I feel like a ghost, Dave. But not the kind of ghost that someone thinks they see when they see a friend stuck under a bed sheet; I mean the kind of ghost on the inside. Like a nut that you crack open, but all you get is a hallow shell. That's what I feel like, Dave. But I feel like that on the inside. Even if I do get my memory back, what if I forget about all the fun, silly, and happy moments I had re-bonding with Theodore? I don't want to forget that, Dave! I want to remember! I want to be myself again!" Simon told Dave before starting to cry again.
Dave hugged Simon as he thought about everything his some told him. Dave felt so sorry of Simon considering the way that he felt. He had to help him out. As Simon looked up with tears running down his furry cheeks, Dave replied: "Simon, I'm sorry you're feeling like that, nobody deserves to feel the way you feel now. But even though things may not seem like they're improving, they will over time. Remember, the doctor said that your amnesia is temporary; you won't be like this forever. You will get better, Simon. But until then, all you can do is continue bonding with Theodore, and trying to live a happy life. Don't give up hope just because thing look bad. If you want, I could spend some time with you and we could figure out how to make it so when you're better, you won't have to forget the moments you've had with Theodore. Maybe you could write in a journal about everything you've done since the accident, and then when you're back to your old self, you can read it, and you'll remember. How does that sound?"
Simon nodded and replied: "Yeah. I'd like to do that with you. I'd really appreciate it." Simon got off of Dave, and was about to leave, but before he did, Simon turned around, gave Dave a hug, and said: "Thank you, Dave. I love you." Dave hugged back and replied: "Your welcome, Simon. I love you too."
Thank you for reading and I'll update soon. Read and review please.