*Y/N's P. O. V. *

"You seem a little down, Y/N. May I ask what's bothering you?" Ms. Flack asked. Of course, she'll notice my unusual silence.

"My mom thinks I'm lying to her," I answered her, "I'm really telling her the truth though. I just don't know why she believes someone else than me."

"Is this about your friend?" she asked which shocked me.

"You knew?"

"Your mom called me a few days ago regarding this, Y/N. I told her not to think too much and just trust you," she said with a small smile and as I was observing her eyes, I realized that she was closely examining me.

"I think you believe her," I said out loud. I really could tell through her looks, "Why on earth would I even lie about having a friend? You all know that I hate to go out, I hate to socialize...what else do you think I do if I'm lying about--" I stopped myself from speaking because my voice is getting louder. I'm so frustrated now and I'm getting so defensive which I know doesn't look good. I'm sure this will increase their suspicion more.

"We are not against you, Y/N. And no, I don't believe your mom. I see how genuine you are when you are talking about Patrick. A mere lie would not sound that authentic," she said which made me feel bad for almost shouting here.

"My mom thinks I made him up to cover something up. She's not outright saying this but I can hear her tone implying it," I stated. 

I really tried to connect with my mom and tell her everything that is going on between me and Patrick. I was open to her because I wanted her to trust me and I wanted her to trust Patrick, but I think what's happening is the opposite. 

"You're overthinking, dear. Your mom loves you and supports you so much. I have seen that for the last 5 years. Maybe she's just scared about you growing. She has been so attached to you for the last couple of years and hearing you're getting attached to someone else is scaring her. That's what parents feel most of the time," Ms. Flack explain while smiling at me, "Why don't you just make them meet? And maybe you could bring him here too because I really would love to meet him." I looked at her blankly as I continuously feel like I am being observed and examined intensely. I tried my best to stay calm and just nodded at her, I think she's trying to see if I'm lying or not.

I chose to stay quiet after that and just let our usual session continue. I didn't mention anything about Patrick again and she didn't too. After an hour, we're finally done and I'm now just waiting for the monthly drug prescription she gives me.

"We'll hold off for this week, Y/N. You're getting better anyways. I'll monitor you after this week and we'll see if you need the same dosage. Alright?" she explained which I found weird. I have never stopped this medication before.

I left the clinic and headed straight to the bookstore where Patrick is already waiting for me. 

At least now I can finally have a break from these frustrations of mine.

~~~Time Skip~~~

"Hey, Y/N. Can I take you out tonight?" Patrick suddenly asked. I was just about to tell him that I'm going to head home since it's already dark, but I guess that's not what I'm doing anymore.

"S-sure. We're always together anyways. But, where to?" I asked, feeling a burning sensation on my cheeks.

"I heard that there's an event at the nearby park. Want to check it out?" he asked.

"Why not. Sounds interesting, let's go? I said and with that, we're both up on our feet.

As we were walking down the dark, empty, silent streets of our small little town, I just realized that this will be the first time we'll go out. Yeah, I've walked with him outside before, but this is the first time we're heading somewhere and deciding to spend some time there. I honestly have no idea what has gotten into him, but I'm really not complaining. This night will be different from our usual routine and I'm already looking forward to it.

Finally, we began to see some people as we got closer to the park. I never knew that there is a small temporary night carnival built in here. I think our town is having a festival, but due to its usual silence, I never really felt it. Or maybe it's just because I'm still closed out to this small and unfamiliar world around me.

"I never knew something like this is in here around this month," I murmured as we enter the area.

"Valentine's day is coming, this town kinda loves that celebration," Patrick explained.

I can't remember the last time I was surrounded by this many people. Honestly, it's still not a lot, but for someone like me who just lived from going to the therapist and our house for the last 5 years, it is. I was readying to feel the anxiety kick in, but before I could even feel that, I first felt someone holding my hand.

I looked to my right where Patrick was standing. He was already looking at me with a warm smile, "You'll be fine. I'm here, you won't feel alone," he said as he intertwines his fingers with mine.

All my thoughts and doubts floated away and I just focused on us, "Thank you," I told him genuinely.

I just love how he understands me. The world for me right now is a scary and unfamiliar place...I've lost 17 years of my past and I don't even have the pieces to those parts which are something incomprehensible. I've always been lost, confused, and helpless...but he just makes those go away. I don't know how, but he's doing it. And I can never thank him enough.

~~~Time Skip~~~

I think Patrick and I turned into kids tonight. We enjoyed each and every attraction at this carnival and I've never been this active for a long time. We splurged in all kinds of sweets, we rode most of the rides and went inside the horror houses. I have to admit, we're getting weird looks from people but we didn't care. We're having the time of our lives now.

"Thanks for bringing me here, Patrick. This is probably the best night I've had for the past 5 years," I told him. We're now just sitting side by side on a park bench that's a little far from the center of the park where most people are.

"Glad to make you happy, my princess. Last time I checked, that, and making sure you're fine, is my top priority," he said with a cute chuckle.

"I never really thought that I'd be normal again. Since the moment I woke up without memory, I just felt like that was it for me...everything seems so overwhelming and I didn't even know myself. But then, you came and everything just...resumed and returned to normal? It's like you've given me the feeling of familiarity, certainty, and even safety. I really don't know how to explain it but all I can say is, thank you. For being here with me," I told Patrick while staring at him straight in the eyes. His eyes are really enough to capture the whole of me and I can never get tired of looking at them. Patrick was looking bad at me too and I can tell that he's attentively listening.

"I've always meant to tell you this, Y/N...I love you..." he murmured as he cupped my cheeks then kissed me.

This feels home. This feels familiar. This feels safety. I never wanted this to end.

"This sounds selfish, but...please, don't ever leave me. I'd be so lost again if you leave," I said to him the moment we broke the kiss.

Patrick seemed to be shocked with what I just told him and I immediately regretted saying it. He was just silent in front of me, his eyes couldn't even stay focused on me anymore.

"I...I mean,..." I stuttered as I try to say a decent sentence but to no avail. Panic started to engulf me, but before I swallow me whole, I heard Patrick's voice.

"I will...as long as I can...I promise," he said and felt him kissing my forehead.

All of a sudden, there was a stinging pain in my head. My eyes involuntarily closed and I backed away from him immediately. I'm pretty sure I'm screaming in pain as I tried to hold onto him, but it seems like I'm already so disoriented because my hands couldn't find him anymore.

"Pat....rick," I managed to murmur before my consciousness completely left me.

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