Are you mom?
Sky and Andy were on the China Eastern Airlines flight to Guilin. Andy was fast asleep. Over a week had passed since his discharge from the hospital. His wounds had healed well but his memory still failed him.
Although Sky had planned to send snail mail to Andy’s flatmate, he’d decided against it at the last minute. There was no point in sending a check in the mail when it could easily be traced back to him. So he’d typed out a letter and printed it. He had enclosed it along with a wad of notes in an envelope addressed to Samuel, whose name he had remembered.
On a weekday afternoon, he had snuck into Andy’s flat, while most of his neighbours were either asleep or away. He had then done a final check of Andy’s effects. There was nothing he’d wanted to carry back at first sight. However, on second thoughts, he’d picked up the green crocodile soft toy. Maybe it would help Andy remember something.
He had left the envelope, on Samuel’s bed, making sure it was visible.
Sky had sent Andy’s stuff to Guilin on the following day. Mei Lai would have received them already. If and when Andy regained his memory, Sky would have to answer some tough questions. But he was prepared for it.
The air-hostess announced they were going to land soon. Sky uprighted his seat. He checked Andy’s seatbelt and gently uprighted his seat. Andy stirred in his sleep. Sky placed a hand on his and gently shook him awake.
“Wake up, Andy. We are almost there. It is time for the plane to land now.”
Andy didn’t say a word but he sat up and looked around.
The plane touched down at the Guilin Liangjiang International Airport after a few minutes.
On their way out of the baggage area, Sky caught sight of Mei Lai in the crowd. He waved at her as Andy looked up and tried to identify a familiar face.
“How are you, my son?” Mei Lai said as soon as they met. She gave Andy a hug. Andy looked confused for a second and then he returned the hug.
“Are you mom?”
“Yes, I’m, dear.” Mei Lai looked confused.
“I’ll explain later.” Sky whispered into her ear as he gave her a hug. “He can’t remember anything. Just treat him as if nothing’s happened. I’ll explain later.”
“Oh.” Sky saw tears form in her eyes.
“Don’t worry. He’s fine. Please, smile. Let’s keep him happy. Let’s go home.”
“The headache’s back,” Andy said.
“Let’s get home,” Mei Lai said. “I’ve cooked dinner for you two.”
It took them an hour to reach home by cab. Mei Lai served dinner immediately. She had made Andy’s favourite fish soup. Right after dinner, Andy complained of dizziness. Sky gave him his medicine and tucked him into bed.
When he came out of Andy’s room, Sky found Mei Lai in tears.
“What’s happened to my son? He can’t remember anything at all.”
“Yes. The injury to his head has made him forget the past.” Sky put an arm around her to comfort her.
“What did the doctor say?” Mei Lai asked in a quivering voice.
“He said it’s not uncommon to lose memory after an injury to the head. It’s called PCS in western medicine. Post-Concussion Syndrome. He can’t control how soon Andy’s memory shall return. However, he has prescribed medicine for his headaches and dizziness. The good part is there’s a strong chance he’ll fully recover within a few weeks.”
“What’s the bad part?”
“Andy may go into depression. The doctor asked me to contact him if that happens. He’ll prescribe anti-depressants.” He was careful not to sigh. Although Mei Lai was strong, she needed him for moral support.
“No, no. Don’t speak like that. We must help him recover. We have to keep him happy.”
“If I had been with him and taken care of him, he wouldn’t be suffering like this.” Sky was filled with remorse.
“You have your duties towards your family.”
“That was in the past. No more. I’m not going to make that mistake again. I’ll leave them,” Sky said with determination. He hoped, when the time came, he would have the courage to act it out.
“Don’t say like that. Although I want you two to be together I can’t ask you to take care of him. That’s my job. He’s my son, my baby.”
“And he’s everything to me. I love Andy. I’ve been weak in the past but not any more. I want to spend my life with him, mom. I love him more than my family and their wealth.”
“You’re a good guy.” Mei Lai gave him a hug. “I don’t think Andy can find a better man than you.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you know? When he was a kid, he was so different from the other boys. I was always worried about the effect this mean world would have on him. But he seems to have turned out well. And, of course, with you around, I can relax now.”
“He is special, very special. I remember the first time I saw his face. I don’t think he saw me until much later. But at that instant I had known he’s the one for me. I have never believed in fate. But if meeting him was fate, then I accept its existence.”
“You are so romantic.” Mei Lai smiled, making him blush. “Do you think we should take him to a proper doctor? A Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor?”
“Let’s try the western medicine first. I trust the doctor in Shanghai.”
“Okay. I just wish he has a quick recovery.”
“He will. We’ll make sure of that.” Sky stood up. “Let me go and shower now. I’m exhausted.”
