It was the saddest day of Clyde’s life. He had never known what grief was until the moment the pallbearers began lowering his wife’s coffin into the grave. That’s when it truly hit him: his wife, best friend, and confidant was truly gone.
He watched in horror as his relatives and friends paid their final respects to his beloved wife. He still could not believe his wife was gone. Beside him, their daughter Laura clung to his side, her tear-stained face a mirror of his own sorrow. He felt terrible that Laura was deprived of her mother at such a young age. She didn’t deserve that, Clyde thought as he stood at the graveside.
Clyde’s thoughts drifted back to the early days of their marriage, a time filled with hope, love, and the promise of a bright future. Clyde recalled with fondness the day he had first met Lydia. Her laughter felt like music to his ears, and her smile lit up his world. Despite the differences in background and upbringing, they forged a bond that was unbreakable. But their journey to marital bliss had not been without its challenges. Lydia’s father had initially opposed their union, citing Clyde’s lack of formal education and financial stability as reasons to call off the engagement. As a college dropout struggling to make ends meet, Clyde had faced an uphill battle to win the approval of his future father-in-law.
However, fate had other plans in store for Clyde and Lydia. To the astonishment of Lydia’s family, Clyde secured a job as a human relations manager at a prestigious bank. His dedication and hard work propelled him to new heights of success with each passing year. As he rose through the ranks, earning multiple promotions along the way, Clyde proved himself to be a worthy suitor for Lydia.
Their wedding day had been a joyous celebration of love and commitment. Together, they had embarked on a journey filled with laughter, tears, and countless precious moments that would forever be etched in their hearts. Their marriage had been blessed with a beautiful daughter, Laura, whom they doted on. Clyde and Lydia had tried to have more kids but to no avail, so they focused on giving Laura, their only child, all the love they could afford.
The family had five years of uninterrupted bliss, but tragedy struck when Lydia was involved in a devastating car accident that claimed her life. She was on her way home when her vehicle swerved off the bridge into the lake below. She had been trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle and had fallen into the lake. Unfortunately, no body was recovered even after a thorough search was conducted for two days. The pain of Lydia’s death had left Clyde shattered, his world crumbling around him as he struggled to come to terms with the emptiness that now filled his days. And as he stood at Lydia’s graveside, surrounded by loved ones and well-wishers, Clyde knew that he could no longer hide from the pain of his grief. With Laura by his side, he vowed to honor Lydia’s memory by embracing life with renewed purpose and determination.
The years dragged by, and Clyde lived in solitude with Laura. He couldn’t remarry because he didn’t want anyone to replace Lydia in his life and in Laura’s. For three years, he dedicated his life to his work. He soon became the regional manager of his bank, but even professional success could not fill the void left by Lydia’s absence. Clyde found himself consumed by grief and loneliness. It was only after three long years of solitude that Clyde finally mustered the courage to take Laura on a much-needed vacation. As they embarked on their journey to a distant state, Clyde hoped that the change of scenery would provide some semblance of solace and healing for himself and Laura.
After they settled in a hotel, Clyde accepted Laura’s request to visit the famous amusement park in the city. He had no business there, but he would do anything for Laura’s happiness. At the park, Laura quickly blended in with the children and soon zoomed off, completely engulfed in the excitement that filled the air. Clyde, all by himself now, settled with a bottle of beer at a nearby bar while listening to some conversations by the men at the bar.
Amidst the laughter and chatter of children, tragedy struck once again. The merry-go-round malfunctioned, causing panic and chaos as parents rushed to ensure the safety of their children. Clyde quickly rushed to the site of the accident, calling out his daughter’s name. A huge crowd had gathered around the merry-go-round. Screams of joy and laughter had changed to screams of pain and fear. As Clyde maneuvered through the thick crowd, his heart threatened to explode in fear and trepidation. He prayed that Laura was okay and that nothing had happened to her. He didn’t know what would become of him if he lost his only daughter. Would he forgive himself? Clyde prayed silently as he searched through the weeping children, hoping to find Laura in their midst.
After what seemed like forever, a park guard emerged from the crowd with teary-eyed Laura in his arms. Clyde exhaled in relief as he rushed towards them. Laura sustained minor injuries, but it was her words that sent shock waves through Clyde’s shattered heart.
“Dad, Mom saved me,” Laura cried.
Clyde was confused. He didn’t understand what Laura was mumbling. Why would she say she had seen Lydia, who’d been dead for three years? Maybe she had hit her head when she had fallen from the merry-go-round. Maybe she was having hallucinations. Still, not wanting to dismiss Laura’s conviction, Clyde asked her to take him to the site where she’d seen Lydia. Eagerly and with so much excitement, Laura took Clyde’s hand and hurriedly walked him to the open bar where she had seen her mom. Clyde’s blood ran cold as he followed Laura’s gaze, his heart pounding in his chest as he saw the woman. It was truly Lydia, alive and in the flesh. There she sat on a bar stool, chatting with a young man. Clyde felt his head reel in amazement and disbelief. This couldn’t be. Lydia had died in a car accident. She had drowned, and her body was never found. But he couldn’t dismiss reality. Lydia was right there in front of him.
Shock gave way to disbelief as Clyde approached Lydia, his mind reeling with questions that begged for answers.
“Lydia,” Clyde stammered, his voice barely above a whisper as he called out to her.
She turned around and stared at Clyde. As soon as their eyes met, Clyde knew it was Lydia. She still had that sparkle in her eyes, that childlike smile. Clyde didn’t even care about the man standing beside her. He just wanted to hold his beloved Lydia in his arms and tell her how much he had missed her.
But something happened that shocked him to his bone marrow. Lydia didn’t
even move an inch. She stared at him as if he was a stranger.
“Do I know you?” she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Clyde’s heart sank at her words, a wave of sadness washing over him. How could she not remember him, their life together, their love?
“It’s me, Clyde,” he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. “Your husband.”
Lydia’s brow furrowed in confusion as she looked between Clyde and the young man beside her. It was obvious she was trying so hard to remember. Clyde stared in astonishment as he watched her. What was wrong? Was Lydia playing some game? But he wasn’t giving up yet. He was going to explain to her.
“We’re your family,” Clyde said, drawing Laura close to him. “This is your daughter, Laura. Where have you been all these years? Lydia, we thought you died. We mourned you for three years. I couldn’t move on without you.”
Clyde knew he was beginning to draw attention, but he didn’t care. His mind was about to explode into a thousand pieces, and he needed answers. But Lydia was even more confused than he was.
“I’m sorry, I think there’s been a mistake,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m not married, and I don’t have a daughter.”
Clyde felt as if the ground had been pulled out from beneath him. How could Lydia not remember their life together? Laura, sensing her father’s distress, ran towards Lydia, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Mama,” she cried, throwing her arms around Lydia’s waist. “I knew it was you. You saved me.”
Lydia looked down at Laura, her expression softening as she gently stroked her hair. “I’m sorry, sweetheart,” she said gently, “but I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
Clyde’s heart shattered at Lydia’s words, his mind reeling with several questions. Why had Lydia saved Laura when the merry-go-round broke down if she hadn’t known Laura was her daughter? As though Lydia had read Clyde’s mind, she explained that she had just seen the kids in danger and had rushed to help. Laura had only been the nearest kid, and Lydia had only started with her.
Lydia then went ahead to introduce the man she had been with at the bar. “This is my fiancé, Franklin. We’ve known each other for three years.”
Clyde threw a look at the young man. He had been quiet throughout their episode. Stepping forward, Franklin stretched out his hand for a handshake. He had a grim look on his face. Clyde thought he didn’t look confident or proud when Lydia introduced him as her fiancé. He was also acting a bit fidgety. As Clyde stared at Franklin, he knew that this man would possibly know something about Lydia. He had been with Lydia for three years, just as Lydia had said, so he had lots of questions to answer. How did he meet Lydia? Where did they meet? What was Lydia’s story?
Franklin struggled to meet Clyde’s probing eyes. He seemed quite uncomfortable and was in a hurry to leave. Sensing his discomfort, Lydia suggested that they leave the bar. They had already had enough drama for a day, and their date had been filled with unpleasant events. First, it was the merry-go-round breaking down, then Lydia heroically saving a little girl, and a strange man claiming to be her husband. It was enough to send her reeling. Franklin jumped on the opportunity to leave the scene and quickly paid their bill. Hand in hand, they walked out of the bar, leaving a confused Clyde with a heartbroken Laura.
Clyde didn’t know what to do. He stood transfixed to the spot as he watched his wife disappear for the second time. She had confessed to not knowing them, and she sounded so sure. Moreover, she seemed happy in her new relationship, and she was clearly in love with Franklin. They were even engaged. Anger welled up within Clyde’s heart as he stared at their receding figure. He was mad at Franklin, and on the other hand, he couldn’t help but think Lydia had a hand in all these events. Perhaps she had faked her death, but why? Why would she? The Lydia he knew would never do that. Clyde screamed in his thoughts, completely dejected. He turned to Laura’s hand.
“It’s time to go, sweetie. It’s getting late, and the park will be closing soon,” Clyde said.
“But what about Mommy?” Laura cried. “We just found her. We can’t leave without her!”
Clyde felt his heart tear. How would he begin to explain to Laura what he didn’t understand himself? How could he tell his seven-year-old child that her mother couldn’t remember her anymore, or that she was already engaged to some other man? He just couldn’t find the words.
“We’ll have it sorted out, sweetie,” he said reassuringly. “Everything will be fine.”
But as they made to leave, they heard a call from behind them. Looking back, it was none other than Franklin walking towards them with Lydia in tow. Clyde was all the more befuddled. Did they forget something? Franklin approached them and asked for a private place to talk. Clyde cast a glance at Lydia; she was as confused as he was. Franklin admitted he had a confession to make. The weight of the truth he carried was heavy upon his shoulders, and besides, Franklin knew that Clyde wouldn’t stop until he got to the bottom of this mystery. So whatever it was—guilt or fear—Franklin knew it was time to reveal the secrets that had haunted him for so long. Taking a deep breath, he turned to Clyde, his voice steady despite the turmoil around him.
“Three years ago,” Franklin began, his words measured and careful, “I found Lydia washed up on the shore.”
The memories of that fateful evening flooded back with vivid clarity, each detail etched into his mind like a scene from a nightmare. It had been a cold, misty morning when Franklin had gone out for his usual fishing adventure. And then, amidst the tranquility of the shoreline, he had stumbled upon a figure lying motionless on the sand, her clothes soaked and her skin as pale as moonlight. Without hesitation, Franklin had rushed to her side, his heart pounding in his chest as he checked for signs of life. Finding no pulse, Franklin’s breath caught in his throat, but he refused to give up hope. With a sense of urgency, he began to administer CPR, his hands moving with practiced precision as he fought to bring her back from the brink of death.
For what felt like an eternity, Franklin worked tirelessly, each compression a silent plea for life to return to the woman lying before him. And then, just when he feared all hope was lost, he felt a faint flutter beneath his fingertips—a heartbeat, weak but steady, like a whisper in the darkness. And then, as the woman’s eyes fluttered open, he felt a surge of emotion wash over him: relief, gratitude, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. Helping her sit up, Franklin offered words of comfort and reassurance. He then immediately called 911. Soon, an ambulance arrived, and the paramedics took over. Franklin went with her to the hospital, refusing to let go of her hand because he could just imagine how terrified she felt. At the hospital, while the doctors and nurses worked on the lady, he remained, pacing up and down the length of the hollowed corridors as he waited for news.
Hours later, a doctor finally stepped out, and the look on his face was grim. He said that physically, the lady was okay. They had managed to take care of her, and she would recover in due course. However, the traumatic head injury she had sustained had caused amnesia. The lady remembered nothing about herself—not her name, family, or even her job. Her memory was a blank slate. Sadly, they also couldn’t figure out her name because she had no form of ID on her. For Franklin, he received the news with mixed feelings. He was glad that the woman would be okay, but he also feared that the road ahead would be challenging. He didn’t know this woman from anywhere, and now he was suddenly responsible for her. It slowly dawned on Franklin that he couldn’t leave her. She still needed help, and he swore that he was going to give it. He promised himself to stay by her side and help her regain her memory and her life before the tragic accident.
The doctor told Franklin that she was expected to regain her memories within a few weeks. However, if she didn’t, he advised him to report the situation to the police. Franklin promised to do just that. So he took her home with him and took good care of her. He made sure that she took her drugs on time. They watched TV together and read books, and he was trying to figure out her hobbies, hoping it would help her regain her memories. The duo began spending quality time together. Franklin cooked for her, and when she was strong enough, she assisted him in the kitchen. It was during such periods that he knew she loved to sing—she had a beautiful voice. Soon enough, six weeks flew past, and she still hadn’t regained her memory. Franklin knew he had to report the case to the police so they could find her family, but he just couldn’t bring himself to do that. He had fallen in love with her, and he was terrified that finding her family would tear her away from him forever.
And that was when Franklin made a selfish decision. He would never take her anywhere close to a police station. He would keep her by his side forever. Now that his mind was made up, he told Lydia about the police not being able to find anything on her or her family. She had to move on and build herself a new identity. Lydia had no reason to suspect the kind man was anything but sincere, and so they picked a new name for her—
Rebecca—and together they lived happily. Franklin loved her very much, and soon he was able to recreate new memories for her. They lived that way for three solid years, and it was as if nothing could go wrong. But the perfect life Franklin had built came crumbling that day at the park.
When Franklin was done, Clyde immediately stepped in. He told Lydia that her name was Lydia, not Rebecca, and that she had driven out one day and never returned. With trembling hands, Clyde brought out his phone and began showing Lydia pictures of them together. He showed her their wedding pictures, pictures of the time she welcomed Laura at the hospital, and her birthday pictures. By the time Lydia was done watching the pictures, she was already in tears. She also had flashes of her life before the incident. Filled with emotions, Lydia pulled Clyde and Laura into her arms and hugged them. It was such an emotional reunion. Lydia had always been terrified that Franklin was the only one she had. She was glad that she also had a family.
As they caught up with each other, Franklin stood by the side watching them. Tears fell from his eyes as he watched Lydia—no longer Rebecca—reunite with her family. Clyde and Laura were fawning over her, and they couldn’t seem to let her go. He realized then just how selfish he’d been by refusing to report the issue to the police. For three years, he had been her rock, her confidant, and protector, but he knew that it was all built on a lie. Filled with remorse, he told the family that he was sorry for not trying to find her family earlier. He had let his emotions control him and had failed to do the right thing. Lydia told him she didn’t hold it against him. He had saved her life and had been there for her when she had nothing. She told him that she was forever grateful for that.
Lydia then turned to her husband and child. She told them that although she couldn’t remember everything about the past, she was willing to make new ones with them and hopefully unlock the old ones. And right there in the park, they stood together, united by their strong bond and love for each other. They knew that no matter how tough the times became, they could count on each other to see it through. It was their love that would carry them through, a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.
