Our Hearts Forgot Your Name

The accident cost my daughter and me our memories. The cost to my wife, a licensed therapist, was apparently irrelevant, as she immediately prioritized an international healing journey with her depressed high school crush and his daughter.

When our memories finally returned, she was surprised to find us quiet, cooperative, and incredibly independent. We no longer cried out for her attention, no longer needed her exhausting, forced comfort.

At first, she was pleased, convinced she had managed to perfectly balance her professional duty and family life.

That illusion shattered on New Year's Eve, when she came home early and paused outside the door, listening to my conversation with our daughter.

Daddy, is that woman really my mom? Every time I call her that, it just feels weird.

I nodded. I feel the same way. She doesnt seem like my type at all. How did I even end up marrying her?

My daughters voice grew conspiratorial. Daddy, your type is Ms. Simon, right? Every time she sees you after school, her ears turn bright red, and she always finds an excuse to drive us home I think you have a shot!

My face was heating up, but before I could answer, my daughter leaned in close, offering a suggestion in a volume she clearly thought was a whisperbut was loud enough for anyone outside to hear:

Daddy, maybe we should just get a new mom?

1.

Dinner was an intense affair. Id ordered two platters of insane hot wings, and my daughter and I were sweating, our faces smeared with red grease, happily demolishing the feast.

A voice, familiar yet somehow estranged, cut through the noise behind us.

You didnt wait for me?

We both flinched. Turning around, we saw a beautiful woman standing in the doorway, radiating a chill that had nothing to do with the winter air. Her eyes were similar to Zoes.

It was Caroline Jennings.

My wife. My daughters mother.

She walked closer, her gaze immediately landing on our sticky faces and the carnage of chicken bones. Her perfect brows furrowed. Six years, Noah. You know I have a stomach condition. I cant eat spicy food.

Zoe, still sucking the last bit of flavor off a bone, spoke without thinking. We didnt order any for you. This is for us.

Cara froze.

I offered a weak, forced laugh and scrambled to cover the awkward silence. Well, uh I saw a photo on your feed. You and Garrett and Ruby were at the amusement park. I figured youd have dinner there

Noah Miller. She cut me off, her tone the usual blend of cool impatience and patronizing correction. Ive explained this. Garrett and Ruby Price were abandoned by his wife, and hes battling severe, treatment-resistant depression. I am a doctor. I am fulfilling my professional duty.

She took a slow, deliberate breath, her voice turning heavy with accusation. And what about you? As a husband and father, you didnt just make a scene at my workplace, you taught Zoe to be manipulative and jealous. She paused for effect. And then you caused a car crash. Hasnt any of that made either of you stop and think about your actions?

A tide of memories crashed over me.

I remembered the moment I discovered her continuous, day-and-night professional care was actually for her high school crush, Garrett. Id taken Zoe and shown up at his apartment, convinced I was catching them.

Cara had just pulled us aside, her expression one of weary resignation. I didnt tell you because I was afraid youd overreact. I am a doctor. To abandon my patients now would be unprofessional and irresponsible.

Shed looked down her nose at us. Dont you dare bring my daughter here and act hysterically in front of my patients. Her cool, measured tone made Zoe and me feel like two hysterical fools.

In a fit of desperate rage, I hired someone to hang a giant banner outside her hospital: GARRETT PRICE IS SEDUCING MY WIFE. Zoe, armed with a tiny megaphone, had chased Ruby Price around the preschool playground, yelling, Shes a mistresss daughter! Dont play with her!

Eventually, Garrett and Ruby were threatening self-harm. Cara, to force us into submission, got me fired and ensured Zoe was ostracized at school. I completely broke down and threatened divorce. Only then did she finally concede, promising to keep her distance from the Prices.

Zoe and I believed her.

We had even booked a long-anticipated trip for our fifth anniversary, counting the days until her rare vacation. We went to the hospital, elated, to pick her up. Instead, all we got was a chilling phone call.

Emergency consultation. The trip is postponed.

Dumbfounded, we left the hospital. But as we turned the corner, we clearly heard her colleagues chatting, laced with knowing amusement:

Dr. Jennings is so committed to Mr. Price. Shes taken a half-year sabbatical to accompany them on their recovery journey!

I know. I heard shes already on her way to the airport. A specialized escort, apparently.

My ears started ringing. My heart felt like a piece had been surgically removed. Before the tears could fall, I looked down at Zoes pale face. Fat tears were rolling down her cheeks, and her voice trembled.

Daddy does Mommy really not want us anymore?

That single question shattered my remaining sanity. I immediately grabbed Zoes hand and ran, chasing after Caras car. We needed an answer! We needed to know if she still wanted this family!

We never caught up. We crashed instead.

Waking up, the world was a blank slate. We didnt remember her, only each other. And she, in turn, had conveniently put us on a shelf.

My memory snapped back to the present. Zoe and I exchanged an awkward glance. The memory had returned, but the love hadnt. In fact, I couldnt understand why wed ever been that hysterical.

I quickly assured Cara that we truly wouldnt interfere again.

Caras expression darkened further. After a long moment, she regained her usual air of control.

Tomorrow, Im taking them to Redwood Park for a therapy session. Make sure you pack three identical lunches.

She looked at Zoe. Zoe, make sure you put together an extra set of your class notes for Ruby.

She turned to leave, adding a cool, final word.

Do as you say. Dont do anything else embarrassing.

The door closed.

Zoe and I looked at each other and simultaneously shrugged.

Then, I pulled out my phone and ordered a gourmet meal for three for later. Zoe messaged her teacher, politely asking for a digital backup of the class materials.

As for tomorrow?

We already had plans to go hiking with Ms. Simon.

Who had time to worry about them?

2.

Early the next morning, I heard Garretts gentle voice from the living room.

Cara, is it just the three of us going? Maybe maybe we should still invite Noah and Zoe? I worry they might misunderstand. Id be fine, but Ruby is still so fragile. She cant handle the stress

Rubys small voice piped up in agreement. Daddy, Im okay. Little Zoe she didnt mean to be mean.

Caras voice, soft and reassuring, followed. Ruby, sweetie, dont worry. If I bring them, who knows what kind of scene theyll make. Its not good for your treatment.

I sighed, rolled over, and drifted back to sleep.

The next thing I knew, a rough force yanked me from the bed.

Cara practically dragged me into the living room.

Look at the daughter youre raising! Her voice was a low snarl of fury. Look at what she did to Ruby!

Garrett was holding a sobbing, trembling Ruby, who was covered in streaks of food and sauce. His eyes were red-rimmed. Zoe was sitting amidst a disastrous mess, tightly clutching three insulated lunch boxes, her small face red with effort, tears splashing onto the floor.

I didnt push her! Zoe cried out. Shes a thief! She stole the lunch Daddy made for me! I just wanted it back!

Cara didnt even look at her. She was carefully wiping Ruby down with a damp cloth, murmuring soothing words to Garrett. Only when that was done did she turn to me, her eyes holding a familiar, exhausted I knew it look.

Noah Miller, are you this resentful just because I asked you to make a few extra lunches? So you taught your daughter to pull this vile stunt?

She leaned in, her voice cold. You promised last night. Are you going back on your word already?

I took a deep breath, patiently attempting to explain.

I didnt teach her anything, and I believe Zoe. Your lunches were on the counterGarretts familys food. Ruby probably just picked up the wrong one by mistake

Stop. Cara cut me off, her face tight with annoyance, as if watching a terrible, familiar play.

Dont act surprised. I havent forgotten what you two are capable of. The apple doesnt fall far from the tree, Noah. You need to take a long, hard look at how to be a responsible father.

The words choked in my throat.

Before the memory loss, we had an agreement: if she kept her distance from Garrett and Ruby, we would have peace.

Cara did start coming home on time and checking in. But the moment Ruby got a scrape at preschool, Cara would materialize, dragging Zoe to apologize without hearing her side. When Zoe tried to defend herself, Cara would look at me and say, stone-cold:

Noah Miller, is your word that cheap? Dont make a scene. Dont push my patience and love to the breaking point. If you do, therell be nothing left to talk about.

The worst time, shed dropped a line that was still scorched into my memory: A child with a malicious heart like that? I dont want her.

My young daughter couldnt handle that. She chased Cara out of the house barefoot, running until her feet were bloody, grabbing her skirt and confessing to every false crime.

Mommy! Im sorry! Its all my fault! I wont ever do it again! I apologized to Ruby!

Please dont leave Daddy and me!

Since then, Zoe never dared to defend herself again.

I sighed softly. What was the point of explaining? In Caras eyes, we were already convicted, repeat offenders.

I pulled Zoe close, my voice low and calm. Zoe, give them the lunches.

My daughters small body stiffened, but then she aggressively wiped her face, gave up the argument, and silently pushed the tightly protected lunch boxes across the floor.

Cara didnt look at us again. She bent down, lifted Ruby into her arms, and shielded the two of them with her body. She turned to leave.

Slam!

The door closed with a sharp, final sound. The house instantly became terrifyingly quiet.

It was just Zoe and me, and the wreckage on the floor.

I quietly picked up a rag and started cleaning. Zoe squatted beside me, helping pick up the scattered mess. After a long moment, I asked softly:

Zoe, if one day, your father and mother separated

Who would you want to live with?

Id asked her that when things were at their absolute worst with Cara. Then, shed cried hysterically. I dont want you to split up, I want us to be a family forever!

Now, she didnt hesitate. She looked up at me, her eyes clear and determined.

Im staying with Daddy.

No matter what happens, Im only staying with Daddy.

I looked at her and felt a smile break across my face. The last sliver of coldness in my heart instantly melted away, replaced by a profound warmth.

I stroked her hair.

Okay.

If that was the case, there was nothing left to fear.

3.

Just as I finished clearing the last bit of the mess, the doorbell rang.

Mr. Miller? Zoe? Are you home?

Zoes eyes lit up. Its Ms. Simon! She ran to the door.

Outside, a bright, kind young woman bent down and embraced the child who flew into her arms. Seeing Zoes red, puffy eyes, Juliet Simons voice immediately softened. Zoe, what happened? Have you been crying?

My daughter buried her face in Juliets shoulder, whimpering miserably. The lunch Daddy made someone took it

Its okay, Juliet said, gently patting her back. Ms. Simon made new food. Everything that you and your daddy love.

She had a genuine knack for comforting the child. With just a few words, Zoes tears turned to laughter.

Juliet finally looked up at me, offering an apologetic smile. Im sorry, Noah. I called but couldnt reach you. I got worried, so I just came over.

Ms. Simon, please dont apologize, I quickly said. Youre Zoes and my lifesaver. Please, call me Noah.

Half a year ago, it was Juliet who had pulled us from the wreckage of our crushed car, racing us to the hospital. Later, when she heard we had partial amnesia and were struggling with day-to-day things, she spontaneously began dropping off meals and taking Zoe to and from school.

When our memories returned, she carefully retreated to a respectable distance. But soon after she heard the full story of our crash, she suddenly became Zoes new preschool teacher.

Juliets ear tips turned slightly pink. She spoke quietly. Noah, Ive planned the entire hiking route. Shall we head out?

She was as good as her word; everything was perfectly organized. When Zoe got tired on the trail, Juliet immediately crouched down. Zoe, hop on.

I felt a pang of guilt. Dont spoil her. Youre already carrying so much, Ms. Simon.

She just smiled, reaching out a hand to lightly brace herself on my arm. Its fine. I work out regularly. Ive got the strength.

For some reason, watching her clear-cut profile, my heart started to beat erratically. Even when we reached the rest area and she took Zoe to buy water, that strange feeling hadnt subsided.

Just then, a small, familiar voice drifted from behind us.

Mommy! Lets run!

It was followed by Garretts laughing voice. Ruby, slow down. Youll fall.

Finally, Caras voice, also tinged with warmth. Ruby, Mommys going to catch you!

I turned my head and met the gaze of the three people not far behind me.

The air solidified.

Garretts face went white. He violently pulled Ruby into his chest, his voice trembling. Mr. Miller are youare you stalking us again? Cara and I really arent doing anything, Ruby only calls her Mommy because she misses her mother so much please, take whatever you have out on me, but dont hurt the child

Cara instantly stepped forward, completely blocking Garrett and Ruby from view, as if I were some kind of monster. Her jaw was tight, her eyebrows fiercely furrowed.

Noah Miller, I told you this is treatment. Their emotions are fragile; they cannot handle stress. How many times do I have to tell you to cure yourself of this paranoia?

I looked at the familiar, yet strangely foreign, faces before me, and the scene that had, in the past, caused me so much loss of control and misery. Now, my heart was completely calm. In fact, it felt a little ridiculous.

You cant even truly empathize with your past self. What exactly was my feeling for this woman now?

If I loved her, I should be furious.

Instead, I waved a casual hand. I understand. Its your duty as a therapist. You dont need to explain it to me.

Im just here for a hike. We just happened to run into each other. Please, continue. Pretend Im not here.

Cara clearly froze, her eyes locked on mine. Ruby called me Mommy. Youre not angry?

I was genuinely confused. Angry about what?

She stared at my face, searching for any sign of pretense, but found nothing. Her expression grew uglier, and the chill around her deepened.

After a long silence, she seemed to come to a conclusion. Her voice was cold, and utterly convinced. Dont try to act, Noah Miller. I know youre sulking. Well talk about this later. But for now, you need to go home. I wont hold this against you this time.

I was about to respond when a clear, pleasant womans voice came from behind me.

Noah, whats going on?

Caras head snapped up. She saw Juliet, and her entire body instantly locked up.

Is everything okay?

Juliet, holding a daughter whose face was sticky with sugar, quickly walked over to my side.

I met her halfway. What took so long? Did Zoe convince you to buy extra?

Catching Zoes pleading eyes, Juliet smiled to cover for her. Just one tiny extra marshmallow to replenish her energy. This is yours. She presented a much larger marshmallow, like a magic trick.

I instinctively smiled. Just as I was about to take it

Noah Miller, Cara interrupted, her voice sharp and cold. Who is she?

Ruby, peeking out from behind Cara, mumbled, Why is Ms. Simon here?

I paused, realizing that since Garrett and Ruby had entered our lives, Cara had never once visited Zoes school or bothered to ask who had helped us after the accident.

This was the first time she had seen Juliet Simon.

This is Ms. Simon, I introduced her. She was the one who pulled Zoe and me from the car after the accident six months ago.

As I moved to introduce Cara, Juliet had already extended her hand, smiling naturally. You must be Rubys mother, then? Its a pleasure to meet you.

4.

The instant the words left Juliets mouth, Caras face went dark, a deep, ugly red spreading beneath her skin.

She looked at Zoe and me, seeing our complete lack of reaction, and her voice dropped even colder. I am Zoes mother. And Ms. Simon, why exactly are you with my husband and daughter?

Ms. Simon is here hiking with us! Zoe wrapped her arms around Juliets neck, her voice overflowing with affection. Shes super strong! She carried me for ages and isnt even tired!

Cara seemed to be fighting to suppress her rage. She withdrew the arm that had been guarding Garrett and Ruby, took a step forward, and held out her hand to Zoe. Come here, Mommy will carry you. Dont bother strangers.

Zoes smile instantly froze. She twisted her face away, burying it tightly in Juliets shoulder.

Shes no trouble at all, Juliet said, her grip on the child firm, her smile still gentle.

I spoke softly. Dont you need to continue your session with Garrett and Ruby? Dont let us delay you. Zoe understands.

But Cara was rooted to the spot. No matter how much Ruby tugged on her sleeve, she didnt move. She just stared at me, her eyes filled with a furious disbelief.

Noah Miller, her voice was raw. Youre just completely indifferent?

Work is important, I replied blandly.

Cara laughed, the sound brittle and sharp. Fine. Dont you dare regret this.

Seeing this, Garretts eyes immediately welled up. He pulled his daughter closer, his voice laced with a familiar tremor. Cara, please dont do this Noah and Zoe must still be angry at us. Go spend time with them. Ruby and I we can just go home by ourselves

Theres no need. Cara scoffed dismissively, but when she turned to Garrett, her tone softened immediately. Didnt you say you learned a new recipe? I want to try it. And I can stay and paint with Ruby. With that, she naturally took Rubys hand.

Before turning away completely, she looked at me one last time. Ill be home late tonight. Dont call and interrupt us.

I was very obedient. I didnt call once.

It wasnt until late that night that my phone screen lit up with her message:

Noah Miller. Good. You are very good.

Then, Cara didn't come home for two weeks.

Her social media, however, was flooded with vacation photos of her, Garrett, and Ruby. The location tags showed they were in the Maldivesthe very place we were supposed to go for our anniversary trip, the trip she had postponed indefinitely.

The scenery was undeniably beautiful. I absentmindedly tapped the 'Like' button.

In the middle of the night, Caras call came through, laced with a repressed, yet undeniable, smugness.

Noah, dont pout. I saw your like. Isnt it Zoes birthday in two days? Ill buy her gifts and rush back.

I was half-asleep. Dont bother. Zoes birthday was two days ago. Ms. Simon celebrated with her and gave her a lot of gifts.

A heavy silence fell on the line.

I I mixed up the dates, her voice was strained. Ill be back tomorrow. Ill throw her a make-up party.

I was about to refuse, but she hung up before I could.

I decided not to push it. She was still the childs mother.

The next day, I took Zoe to the hotel Cara had sent the address for.

The event was grander than any birthday party Zoe had ever had. Cara rushed forward, bending to hug Zoe. Zoe, happy belated birthday. Mommy sent all your gifts home. Do you like them?

Zoe instinctively sidestepped her embrace, nodding. Thank you. I like them very much.

Caras outstretched arms froze mid-air, a flash of genuine loss crossing her face. She led us into the ballroom. On the giant screen, photos of Ruby Price were scrolling.

Cara quickly explained. Its Rubys birthday, too. I thought we could celebrate both children together. You know, her mother abandoned them right after she was born

Its fine, I cut her off. I understand.

Rubys party was scheduled first. She wore an expensive, limited-edition princess dress and danced on the stage, taking the microphone to thank Cara for filling the void left by her mother.

I looked down at Zoe, who was just intently eating her cake, completely unaffected. I smiled lightly, wiping a smudge of frosting from her mouth.

Before it was Zoes turn, Garrett pulled me aside to the hotels pool deck. His usual frail demeanor was gone, replaced by a smug smirk.

Noah Miller, did you see that? Even after six years of marriage and a daughter, the moment I show up, you and your daughter will always be second to us in Caras heart.

Whether its the trip you always wanted or your daughters birthday Guilt isnt love, Noah. Its just pity.

Are you suggesting I divorce her? I asked calmly.

Dont worry. Ill find a way to bring it up.

He was stunned for a moment. Youd give up? You sacrificed your chance to study abroad just for her.

I vaguely recalled college. Cara was the queen beebeautiful and accomplished.

But she wasnt truly my type. Then, I was jumped and beaten, and she braved the situation to call the police for me. After that, I was obsessed. I chased her relentlessly, right through graduation.

Id fought bitterly with my parents and abandoned my career prospects, desperate to marry her.

Yet, recalling it now, my heart was utterly still. I even felt a little foolish, like the twenty-year-old me had read too many romance novels.

I shook my head, my voice sincere. Its nothing. If you want her, you can have her.

Noah Miller, what did you say?!

Cara stood behind us, her face pale with fury, her eyes bloodshot.

Garrett glanced over my shoulder, then let out a low, cold sneer. Keep up the act. Ill make sure you give up eventually.

Before I could react, he suddenly fell backward! I instinctively reached out to grab him, but the momentum dragged me along, and we both plunged into the cold pool!

Noah!

Daddy!

The cold water flooded my nose and mouth, and I struggled violently. Through my blurry vision, I saw Cara hesitate for a split second, then swim toward Garrett.

The water fully closed over my head, muffling all sound.

In the chaos, a small, weak hand suddenly grabbed me.