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“We know you.” Eve gestured to Cass’s painting. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Rebecca was momentarily stunned by the sudden change in topics. She was grateful for it, though, as she didn’t know how to respond to Eve’s declaration. But there was an easy answer to her question.

“Spectacular.”

“How does it make you feel?”

Rebecca glanced at Eve. She was studying the painting, allowing Rebecca to gather her thoughts. “Happy,” she answered finally. “After the photos at the beginning, this gives me… hope. That’s not to say the black-and-whites were bad! They’re thought-provoking but so… sad. When I got here, I was glad it affected me more positively.”

Lainey smiled. “That’s by design. Without the dark, you’ll never fully appreciate the light. The photos allow you to open your heart to the pain instead of closing yourself off. Once your heart is open, you’re more likely to allow the happiness and hopefulness in. And that’s a big reason Cass was our featured artist for the opening. Her work is awe-inspiring and radiates everything you want to believe life can be.”

Cass shoved her hands into her pockets, bowing her head. Eve and Lainey had always been generously gracious about her work, but she’d never heard them describe her paintings in such a profound way. Why did compliments from the likes of the Sumptors make her feel so awkward?

“What a brilliant concept.” Rebecca scanned the rest of the gallery. Everything seemed to have a rhyme and reason in the way it was displayed. It was impressive.

She thought of the diner with the delicious food, the flower shop with flawless flowers, and now the gallery. All owned by women, and for the most part, lesbian women. Rebecca felt pride swell in her chest for these women and vowed that whatever happened with her memory, she would make an effort to get to know this group of women all over again if she had to. Rebecca was about to say as much when a flash of pain seared through her brain.

“Becca?” Cass’s arms wrapped protectively around Rebecca as she swayed. “Can we get some water, please?”

Eve hurried off while Lainey went to find a chair.

“I’m okay,” Rebecca managed, but she couldn’t hide the grimace when another wave of pain hit her.

“I shouldn’t have kept you out this long.” Cass was mentally chastising herself. This was all too much too soon.

“Please don’t do that. I wanted to do this.”

“Here,” Lainey said, pushing a chair close to Rebecca. “Have a seat.”

Eve twisted the cap off the water bottle and handed it over to Rebecca. She looked at Cass. If Eve were to sculpt Cass now, she would call the peace Fear and Shame. “What else do you need?”

Cass glanced up and shook her head. She knew from experience that Rebecca didn’t like being ‘weak’ in front of others. Not even her best friends. “Maybe just some privacy?”

Eve nodded. “You’re welcome to use our office. Otherwise, we’ll direct the patrons away from this section while you catch your breath.”

Once they were alone, Cass kneeled beside Rebecca. “Tell me what you need, Becca.”

“I think I need that pill now,” Rebecca answered regretfully. This wasn’t how she wanted this time with Cass to go. But the pain was becoming unbearable, and she promised Cass she wouldn’t let it get to that. Rebecca smiled when Cass didn’t even hesitate to hand over the medicine. “Unfortunately, that means we have to skip the walk. These make me a little drowsy.”

Rebecca took the pill from Cass, popping it in her mouth and chasing it down with a long pull from the bottle of water.

“I’m so sorry, Becca.”

Rebecca touched Cass’s sad face. “Please don’t be. Today is the first day since waking up at the hospital that I’ve felt… alive.”

Cass eased to a stop in front of Aunt Wills’s house. Rebecca had fallen asleep on the drive back, and Cass was reluctant to wake her. She cut the engine and found herself staring at her wife. Up until now, the day had been positive and fun. Cass could pretend that they were role-playing—a new couple, getting to know each other. Then, with Rebecca’s pain, reality set in. She would take Rebecca inside, and Cass would go home. Alone. Her heart broke a little more each minute she was without Rebecca. If Rebecca’s memory didn’t come back soon, would Cass survive?

“Are we home?” Rebecca asked sleepily.

No. “Yeah, you’re home. Becca?” Cass knew it was wrong to ask Rebecca for anything while she was under the influence of medication, but she was going to do it anyway.

“Hmm?”

“I, uh, know your follow-up appointment is coming up. I’d like to be there.”

Rebecca’s eyebrows furrowed in thought. Aunt Wills had mentioned an appointment before, but Rebecca was too sleepy to remember the details.

“I…”