When Love Comes Late

Waldo and Lucia turned to Stella, puzzled.

Stella calmly addressed the doctor, saying, “He suffered a head injury while in Sothrea and experienced memory loss.

Could this fainting episode be related to that?”

The revelation stunned the doctor, Waldo, and Lucia.

The elderly couple was particularly incredulous.

Lucia quickly grabbed Stella’s hand, asking nervously, “What happened? What do you mean he lost his memory? Wasn’t Matthew doing well?”

Waldo added, “He remembers everyone, doesn’t he? How could he have amnesia?”

Stella had initially kept this information private, but given Matthew’s condition, she felt it necessary to disclose it.

After a brief pause, Stella masked her sadness and tried to appear composed.

“He has lost a portion of his memories, but he seems otherwise fine and recognizes everyone.”

Stella refrained from disclosing which specific memories were lost.

She wanted to avoid causing Waldo and Lucia additional concern about their relationship, especially after they had just begun to feel reassured about Matthew’s safety.

Waldo and Lucia gradually understood.

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Library

“I see, that clarifies things.”

The couple appeared visibly relieved, as partial memory loss seemed less alarming.

The doctor also grasped the situation and commented, “Such occurrences are known.

Since there are no other issues, Matthew’s fainting is likely connected to his memory loss.”

With Stella’s assistance, the doctor began treating Matthew accordingly.

He arranged for the necessary equipment to be brought in and conducted a re-examination of Matthew.

The results arrived swiftly, consistent with Cordell’s earlier description.

Reviewing the report, the doctor addressed Stella and the others.

“This is selective amnesia.

It doesn’t present any health risks.

As long as he avoids intentionally trying to recover the forgotten memories, there should be no issues.

However, this type of amnesia may have minor impacts on his daily life.”

Lucia, noticing Stella’s sad expression, inquired, “When might he regain those lost memories?”

The doctor appeared uncertain.

“We can’t predict that right now, but treatment may help restore his memory, provided Matthew doesn’t resist.”

Despite the doctor’s assurances, Stella remained skeptical.

After the doctor departed, Matthew had yet to regain consciousness.

Lucia, observing Stella’s dejection, felt a deep sympathy.

She gently took Stella’s hand and asked, “When did you discover this?”