Chapter 1Fading Memories: Husband and Son, I've Already Forgotten You

I had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease when I forgot to pick up my son from kindergarten again.

When Tommy got home, he angrily threw his backpack at me:

"What's wrong with you?! You're nowhere near as good as Aunt Rachel!"

Ethan also looked at me with disdain: "Are you becoming senile? Go wash my underwear!"

As days went by, my memory got worse and worse.

On my birthday, my husband and son were celebrating with his first love.

I turned to go home but couldn't remember the way. I got on a bus, heading to the only address left in my mind.

Later, someone called me: "Samantha, are you done with this drama? Now you've even run away from home?"

I frowned at the vaguely familiar yet strange voice: "Who are you?"

Three months ago, I noticed my memory was getting worse, and I often became forgetful.

After a hospital examination, I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

I couldn't believe it and repeatedly asked the doctor if this was really my diagnosis.

I was only twenty-six years old.

Ethan and I were college classmates. We got married after an unexpected pregnancy after graduation.

Now our son is three years old.

The doctor advised me to inform my family immediately and come to the hospital together to discuss the treatment plan. This disease requires a lot of help and care from family members.

I opened Ethan's contact in my phone, hesitating.

Today was the day Rachel returned to the country.

Ethan called me first:

"I have a business dinner tonight. You go pick up our son."

Before I could respond, he hung up.

I stared at the darkened screen and smiled bitterly.

After some thought, I decided to tell my mom.

"Al... what? I've never heard of this disease. Are you sure the doctor isn't trying to scam you?"

"How much does it cost to treat this? I don't have money right now. Your brother is getting married soon."

The sharp voice from the other end of the line made my temples throb.

I brushed her off with a few words and hung up.

Making this call was indeed unnecessary.

I looked up at the doctor across from me:

"Doctor, you can just tell me the treatment plan. I can take care of myself."

Not wanting the doctor to see my embarrassment, I quickly left the hospital with the treatment plan in hand.

On my way home, I felt like there was something I needed to do, but I just couldn't remember what it was.

When I reached the entrance of our community, I saw Ethan standing under a streetlight. I was delighted, thinking he was waiting for me, and was about to approach him.

A girl in a pink dress bounced over to him and gave him a hug.

Ethan, usually cold and aloof, now had a gentle smile on his lips.

He ruffled the girl's hair, put his arm around her shoulder, and they drove away together.

At home, I sat in the dark living room without turning on the lights.

My mind was filled with the scene I had just witnessed.

After who knows how long, I heard a sound from the entrance.

My son rushed to me and threw his backpack at me:

"Mom! Why didn't you come to pick me up?! The teacher called you but you didn't answer!"

"You're nowhere near as good as Aunt Rachel!"

I picked up my phone and realized it had died.

I tried to comfort him softly:

"Tommy, I'm sorry. Mommy forgot..."

Ethan came in shortly after, his face full of anger. He walked over and said:

"Didn't I tell you to pick up our son?!"

"He waited at the kindergarten until he was the last one left. He cried so much even the teacher couldn't bear it!"

"You're a stay-at-home mom now, enjoying an easy life without having to work. Can't you even handle this simple task of picking up our son?!"

I opened my mouth, wanting to explain.

I forgot because I'm sick.

But looking at the two nearly identical faces in front of me, both scolding me,

I swallowed my explanation and grievances.