Chapter 3 - Deyna (1/2)

She could hear the chirping of the birds through the window when she opened her eyes. She looked at the nipa hut above her. Everything seemed unfamiliar to her.

She stirred and then moved to get up.

”Ouch!” She cried as she felt a sharp pain in her body. Her head was pounding, and she felt a little dizzy. She blinked several times and looked around.

She slowly stood up and walked outside. There were so many trees, and the warm and gentle breeze blowing from those trees touched her smooth and pale face.

”You're finally awake, child,” said an old man, who was walking towards her.

He stood in front of her and held her wrist to feel her pulse.

”It's finally normal. You will soon be back in good shape. It's a miracle that you woke up,” The old man said with a smile.

”I'm the Chief Doctor in this village. You can call me Chief Doctor Song. What is your name, child? You were severely injured and barely breathing when I found you. You were unconscious for two weeks,” Doctor Song explained.

”I… hmm I am… sorry but I don't know. I don't remember my name... Ahhh…” she stammered and touched her temple unconsciously as she felt a sudden jolt of pain in her head.

Doctor Song creased his forehead and stared at her.

”It could be because of the hit you got on your head… Tell me, child, what about the last thing that happened to you? Do you remember?” Doctor Song asked, and she just gently shook her head.

Doctor Song later tested her on fundamental things. She was asked about letters and numbers, if she knew how to write and read, if she knew the current year, if she knew the name of several objects. He also asked other questions with regards to matters of common sense.

After he helped her to a hearty meal, Doctor Song explained, ”You are suffering from amnesia, child. But it seems like your knowledge about basic things remained intact. You only lost part of your memories about your own life. There are many types of amnesia, but for now, I will observe how you progress.”

Doctor Song saw the confusion and frustration on her face.

”Hmm, don't worry, child. You have escaped death so you will overcome this predicament too. For now, let me give you a name. You can also use my surname, and meanwhile, I can adopt you until you remember anything. You can also stay with me if you want,” He suggested as he looked at her with a tender smile.

She smiled back, but unlike his, hers was a soulless smile. Not knowing about her past made her feel incomplete. But even more importantly, she was puzzled at the fact that she was found unconscious on a riverbank. She was on the brink of death from the fall and a gunshot wound. Why? How?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden excitement in Doctor Song's voice as he proposed a name for her, ”How about I call you 'Deyna'?”

Her lips curled into a smile, and she whispered, ”Deyna… I like it.”

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