Chapter 33: The first memory

Ana
Confusion and a constant headache had plagued me since I woke up in the hospital, and although I couldn't remember many details, a sense of urgency drove me forward. My days were filled with fleeting flashes of memory, fragments I couldn't piece together, and the pressure of being the mafia leader only exacerbated my confusion.
Today, the situation reached a boiling point. Martin, one of Paolo's most loyal guards, had arranged a secret meeting. I found myself in an abandoned warehouse, surrounded by men who looked at me with respect and a mix of desperation.
"Ana, we need to act fast," Martin said, his voice firm but with a hint of worry. "You need to remember who you are and what's at stake."
I looked at Martin, feeling a mix of gratitude and fear. While his insistence was comforting, the responsibility on my shoulders was overwhelming.
"Martin, I trust you, but... how can I be sure this is all real?" I asked, trying to find clarity amidst my confusion.
Martin looked at me intensely, then pulled a photo out of his jacket. In it, Paolo and I were dressed in suits, ready for a night out. The image hit me like an electric shock; I felt a sharp pain in my head, an echo of something I couldn't fully grasp.
"This is real, Ana. You and Paolo had a connection that kept our alliance strong. If he doesn't wake up, everything will fall apart," Martin explained, taking a step closer. "You need to come back to a safe place with us, take care of Paolo's business."
I felt the weight of his words, but the loyalty I felt towards Dante, Valeria, and my uncle Marco was equally strong. I couldn't just abandon them, or the mafia that they claimed I led.
"I can't leave the house, Dante, Valeria, and my uncle. Not the mafia either. I need more time to process all of this," I replied, my voice trembling slightly.
Martin sighed, clearly frustrated, but nodded.
"I understand, but we don't have much time. If the alliance crumbles, we're all in danger. You need to think fast, Ana. Everything depends on you."
I looked around, seeing the serious faces of the guards. I felt the urgency, the pressure of every one of their gazes, but also the confusion of not being able to fully remember.
"I promise I'll think about it, Martin. But I can't make a rash decision. I need to be sure I'm doing the right thing for everyone, not just myself," I said, trying to sound more confident than I really was.
Martin nodded again, his expression softening slightly.
"I understand, Ana. I just want you to know that we're here for you, ready to support you in whatever you decide."
I nodded, grateful for his support. I knew I had to get back to the house before Dante or Valeria noticed my prolonged absence.
"Thank you, Martin. Really, thank you for everything. I'll head back to the house now, but I'll keep everything you've said in mind."
Martin looked at me with a mix of hope and worry.
"Take care, Ana. And remember, we're always just a call away."
I left the warehouse with a heavy heart and a mind full of questions. I drove back home, trying to sort through my thoughts. The pressure was immense; I not only had to uncover my past but also ensure that my present and future were protected.
When I arrived, I tried to act normal. Dante was in the living room, reviewing some documents. He looked up when I entered, his expression softening at the sight of me.
"Where have you been?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
"Just needed some fresh air," I lied, smiling to reassure him. "I was thinking things through and needed some clarity."
Dante nodded, though I could see he was still worried.
"I understand. I just want you to be okay, Ana. Remember, I'm here for whatever you need."
I returned his smile, though inside I felt more divided than ever.
"I know, Dante. Thank you for always being there for me."
I went up to my room, trying to process everything that had happened. I knew I had important decisions to make, decisions that would affect not only my life but also the lives of everyone who depended on me.
Sitting on my bed, I stared at the ceiling, trying to find the strength to face what was coming. I promised Martin I would think about everything, and I knew I had to do it quickly. The safety of everyone depended on it, and even though I didn't remember everything, I had to trust my instincts and the people who claimed to be my allies.
After trying to process all the information Martin had given me, my phone rang, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked at the screen and saw it was the doctor from the hospital.
"Hello?" I answered, trying to stay calm.
"Ms. Ana, this is Dr. Fernandez from the hospital. I wanted to inform you that Paolo has shown signs of improvement. He hasn't woken up yet, but he has started responding to stimuli," the doctor said, his voice filled with a mix of professionalism and hope.
My heart skipped a beat. While the news was good, it was also overwhelming.
"What kind of stimuli?" I asked, trying not to sound too excited.
"He responds to touch, and his blood pressure is stabilizing. We can't say for sure when he'll wake up, but these are good signs," the doctor explained.
"Thank you for letting me know, doctor. I'll come visit him," I said, my decision made instantly.
I hung up the phone and headed for the door, running into Dante in the hallway.
"I'm going to the hospital," I announced, trying not to show too much emotion. "I need to see Paolo."
Dante looked at me, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
"Do you want me to come with you?" he asked, though his tone suggested it wasn't really a question.
"No, I'd rather go alone this time. I just need some time to think and process all this," I lied, trying to sound convincing.
Dante nodded, though he seemed reluctant.
"Alright, but please be careful," he said, his voice laced with concern.
I left the house and drove to the hospital, my mind racing. How was I going to handle this? What did this improvement mean for Paolo and for me?
When I arrived at the hospital, I headed straight to Paolo's room. The security guards recognized me and let me through without a fuss. I entered the room, and the sound of the monitors and the soft beeping of the medical equipment filled the air.
I approached Paolo's bed and took his hand. Feeling his skin against mine triggered a wave of emotions I couldn't control. His fingers were cold, but at least there was some life in them.
"Paolo..." I whispered, more to myself than to him. "I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm here."
As I spoke, I felt a slight pressure on my hand. I looked down and saw that Paolo was squeezing my hand, weakly but intentionally.
"Paolo, can you hear me?" I asked, my voice breaking with emotion.
And then, like a gust of wind carrying the scent of a forgotten place, I had a flashback. In my mind, I saw Paolo and myself in a situation that seemed to be from another time and place. We were on a mission, dressed in dark suits, and Paolo was holding my hand in the same way he was doing it now.
"Ana, trust me. Everything will be alright," he said to me in the memory, his eyes full of determination and love.
I snapped back to the present, tears streaming down my cheeks. The connection I felt with Paolo was undeniable, and even though I couldn't remember everything, this little snippet was enough to make me understand what Martin had said.
"Paolo, I'm here. I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm here," I repeated, squeezing his hand tightly.
Time seemed to stand still as I sat by his side. The sound of the monitors, the soft beeping of the medical equipment, everything faded into the background as I focused on this moment.
Suddenly, the door opened and a nurse entered, surprised to see me there.
"Ms. Ana, you should be resting," she said, approaching to check Paolo's monitors.
"I'm fine. I just wanted to be here with him," I replied, not letting go of Paolo's hand.
The nurse nodded and, after making sure everything was in order, left the room, leaving us alone again.
"Paolo, I don't know what's going to happen from now on, but I promise you I'll do everything I can to remember and to protect you," I said, my voice barely a whisper.
As I spoke, a surge of determination coursed through me. I knew I couldn't face this alone, but I also knew I had to. Paolo and I shared a connection that went beyond memory, a connection that had to be protected at all costs.
Reluctantly, I let go of his hand and stood up. I knew I had to return home and face my responsibilities, but I also knew I would be back to see him soon.
I left the room, my heart heavier but my resolve stronger than ever. I had no idea how I was going to handle all of this, but I knew I had to give it my all. For Paolo, for myself, and for all those who depended on our strength and leadership.