Page 10 of One Little Memory (Cherry Valley Novella)

Jo found a box of tea bags in the cupboard, and there was a plug-in kettle on the counter.

It hadn't taken long to find a mug. She sipped the fruity tea and decided she liked it. She didn’t think she was as partial to coffee.

That was the thing about losing her memory: Every single thing had to be rediscovered.

She liked fruit teas. Good to know. She didn’t like Jell-O.

She’d had some at the hospital and it was awful.

Of course, that could have been because it was hospital food, but she didn’t think so. It was definitely the texture.

“Maybe I should keep a list?” she mumbled aloud as she looked around the apartment for a piece of paper and a pen.

It was one room, but not too small. Cozy rather than cramped.

A designer-worthy kitchen took up most of the wall to the right of the entry door.

It had stainless steel appliances and a granite countertop.

Behind the kitchen was a small bathroom with a combination tub and shower.

Did she like taking baths? Possibly, when she was cold, or it was winter.

They were having a warm spell at the moment so it was too hot to take a bath.

The AC in the apartment worked well though.

The rear wall was mostly a set of sliding doors that led to the backyard and another patio.

Lush green grass was surrounded by a privacy fence.

It was quite cute really. There were different flowers planted around the edge and a huge tree in the corner whose branches provided some shade.

The leaves were just starting to change color.

The queen-size bed was in the back left corner of the apartment. A colorful quilt spread across it and there were so many throw pillows. Jo suspected a woman’s touch here. She just couldn’t picture Phoenix arranging pillows. Maybe he did have a woman in his life.

There was an overstuffed sofa and chair in soft gray across from the kitchen area and a coffee table with a big screen TV hanging on the wall over a small wood stove.

A two-person table in front of the window at the very front was what passed for eating space.

All in all, not bad. She was trying desperately to cheer herself up.

It was the strangest of feelings sitting in a stranger’s home and not knowing anything about herself. She was living a nightmare.

She swallowed another gulp of tea to wash down the lump growing in her throat.

It would be okay. She would be fine. Phoenix would find her purse, and then they would know her name.

Her family would come and claim her, and she’d go home to her own place, her own world.

Her memory would definitely come back then. She just needed to be patient.

Jo shot off the sofa. She didn’t want to be patient.

She didn’t want to drink any more tea. She wanted answers.

She needed answers, and sitting around here wasn’t going to get them for her.

She walked over to the door and was about to pull it open when she saw movement out the front window.

A man was standing in the yard. He was older with gray hair, and he was wearing work pants and a plaid jacket.

As if he could feel the weight of her gaze, he turned and looked in her direction.

She froze beside the window, not daring to inhale.

The beat of her heart pulsed heavily through every inch of her.

The room spun and clammy sweat broke out over her skin.

She prayed he couldn’t see her, that he wouldn’t walk over and look in the windows.

He stood there a while longer as if deciding what to do, and then finally he disappeared around the side of the house.

She collapsed against the door, drawing in big gulps of air.

What the hell was wrong with her? It was just an old man.

Why was she so terrified? She had no idea.

Her knees would no longer hold her, and she sank to the floor, cradling her head in her hands.

Being terrified of people wasn’t her norm, was it? She couldn’t live this way.

Jo held her shaking hands out in front of her, willing the tremble away. It didn’t matter who she was or what she did; there was no way this was an ordinary reaction to seeing a man standing in the yard. Who the hell was he and what did he want?

A loud knock sounded at the door, and Jo let out a small squeal.

Was he back? The man, was it him? What the hell was she going to do?

She looked over at the kitchen. A knife.

Maybe she could find a knife. She pulled herself to her feet and was stumbling toward the kitchen area when the knock sounded again.

“Jo? It’s Hazel. I brought you some more clothes. ”

Jo’s knees gave out again, and she caught the counter to keep from hitting the floor.

“Jo?”

“Yeah,” she managed a strangled cry. Then she tried again. “Yes, give me a second.” She sucked in a calming breath and let it out again. Then she made her way over to the door and fumbled with the lock. It took her a couple of tries to get it, but finally she wrenched open the door.

“Jo, I brought…” Hazel’s voice petered out. “Are you okay?”

She couldn’t speak. Couldn’t make her tongue work just yet.

Hazel immediately came in and dropped the bags she was carrying on the little table. Then she helped Jo over to the sofa. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Th—there was a man. He— he was standing there.” She pointed out the window.

Hazel glanced out the window and then back at Jo. “There’s no one there now, and I didn’t pass anyone, so whoever it was is gone.”

Jo leaned back on the sofa and put her head in her hands. “I don’t know why seeing him upset me so much. It’s stupid.” She lifted her head. “I can’t live this way, Hazel. I can’t spend the rest of my life being afraid all the time. What the hell am I supposed to do?”

Hazel patted her on the shoulder. “It’s been a day.

One single day. You need to give yourself time.

I think it’s amazing you are already out of the hospital and aren’t suffering crippling headaches.

Give your brain and the rest of your body a break.

It’s been through a lot. So you overreacted at seeing a stranger.

Considering what you’ve been through, it’s not surprising.

Just relax.” She held up her hands. “I know that’s easy to say and harder to do, but it’s really the only solution.

Your memory will come back with time, but only if you don’t push so hard. You need to heal.”

“I know, I know. It’s all just so… And that man. He scared me. I don’t know why.”

“Being in a strange place all on your own will do that to you. I wish Phoenix could spend time with you, but he’s caught up on another case.

” Hazel got up from the sofa and went over to one of the bags she’d brought.

“I have the clothes, and I also brought some milk, bread, coffee, tea, and cookies.” She unpacked the food and put it away.

Jo watched her. “You seem to know your way around this place.”

“Aiden, my boyfriend, helped Phoenix convert it. They just finished a couple of months ago. I helped with some of the decorating. Phoenix is a good friend of Aiden and my brother Jory.” She put on the kettle. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a cup of Earl Gray tea and a cookie.”

That explained the throw pillows. Must be nice to have friends . Jo gave herself a mental shake. Thoughts like that weren’t helping. Her stomach growled. “A cookie sounds good.” She settled herself on the sofa more comfortably. “So what case is Phoenix working?”

“Oh. They found an elderly resident dead this morning by his shack. CVPD is investigating because it looked suspicious.”

Jo frowned. “Do you get a lot of violent crime around here?”

“No. Not at all. Although Gus Marchand, the dead guy, was not a nice man, so I can’t say I’m surprised he was killed.

He’s always been a nasty piece of work. Very mean and aggressive with everyone.

Well, except his friend Lloyd Bondy. They were mean old men together, but hey, I guess everyone needs a friend. ”

She could say that again . Jo let out a breath. “A murder?” At Hazel’s nod, she continued. “That will keep him busy for sure.” A small stone seemed to lodge itself in the pit of her stomach. She’d been hoping she would see more of Phoenix, but sounded like she’d be on her own.

“Yes. There will be a lot of pressure to solve it.” Hazel put two cups of tea on the coffee table. “I assumed you like it the way I do, with milk. Most people like it with lemon, but I didn’t bring any so you’re stuck with milk.”

Jo laughed. “I’m not sure how I like my tea, but I’m sure it’s fine. I discovered I like fruity tea, though. What kind of cookies are they?” she asked as Hazel set the small plate with a few cookies on it down in front of her.

“Oatmeal Raisin. Again, you’re stuck with what I like. I didn’t have time to go to the store.”

It suddenly hit her that Hazel was supposed to be home sleeping. “Why aren’t you resting? I thought that was your plan when you left the hospital.”

Hazel waved her off. “I tried, but I’m not used to sleeping during the day at the moment, so it just wasn’t going to happen. Besides, I wanted to bring you some clothes.”

“I appreciate it. I really do.”

Hazel smiled and then took a sip of tea.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” She got up and went over to another of the bags she’d placed on the table.

“I brought you some puzzle books and some regular books as well. I also brought you my old tablet. Since you don’t have your phone, I thought you might want to surf the web while you are resting. ”

“You are so kind.”

Hazel waved her off. “Not a problem. I wouldn’t want you to be bored. I know you have the TV, but sometimes I find it just nice to sit in solitude and use my brain rather than watch something mindless.”

Jo nodded. She wanted to say that she felt that way, too, but she wasn’t sure if that was a real emotion or just something she was feeling presently. She took a sip of tea to keep from grinding her teeth in frustration. It was good. “I like Earl Gray with milk.”

Hazel smiled. “Try one of the cookies.”

She took a bite and chewed. “Not bad.”

“See? I knew we’d be friends.” Hazel’s phone went off, and she answered it.

“Hey, Mom. Yes. Uh-huh. Sure. Give me twenty minutes. Okay. Bye.” She turned to Jo.

“Sorry, but my mom needs help. She runs the concession stand at the high school, and after the big game last night, she needs to get it all cleaned up.”

“Oh, did you want some help?” Jo wanted desperately to go with Hazel wherever she was going. Being alone did not appeal to her at all.

“No, we’re fine. You rest up, and I’ll drop by later.”

Jo stood when Hazel left and poured herself another cup of tea.

Hazel had made a whole pot. Then she sat back down on the sofa and picked up one of the crossword puzzle books.

She grabbed a pencil and opened the cover.

She might as well give it a shot. Maybe it would help her remember things.

Did she even like puzzles? She’d soon find out.