Finding the Unknown (Editing)

Chapter 4

Happy Reading!

Weeks after, the hospital room fell into a hushed silence as the door slowly swung open, revealing Dara standing in the doorway. Her presence went unnoticed for a moment as Benedict's parents, Auntie Jana and Uncle Cliff, were engrossed in a conversation with the doctor. As they turned their attention to the door, their eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected visitor.

Auntie Jana was the first to speak, her voice tinged with both curiosity and confusion. "Excuse me, who are you? What brings you here?"

Dara took a deep breath, steadying herself for the conversation ahead. "I'm Dara, and I need to talk to you about Benedict."

Uncle Cliff furrowed his brows, exchanging a glance with Auntie Jana. "Dara? Why does that name sound familiar?"

Auntie Jana's eyes narrowed as she tried to place the name. "Wait, are you the Dara, the one from Benedict's past?"

Dara hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Yes, Ma'am."

"Dara! I'm so glad you're here. It means a lot to Benedict, and honestly, to all of us." Without a second thought, he approached her and enveloped her in a heartfelt hug. A warm smile spread across Sanyo's face, and he couldn't contain his relief at seeing Dara there.

Dara returned the hug, feeling a mixture of emotions – gratitude for Sanyo's warm welcome and a sense of comfort in his embrace. "Thank you, Sanyo. I want to be here for Benedict, no matter what. We'll find a way through this."

Sanyo pulled back, holding Dara at arm's length, his hands on her shoulders as he looked at her with genuine appreciation. "I know it's not easy for you, but your support means everything to him. I can see that."

Dara nodded, appreciating Sanyo's understanding. "I care about Benedict, Sanyo. I'll do everything I can to help him remember, to get through this together."

Auntie Jana and Uncle Cliff exchanged glances, a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty in their eyes.

"Dara," Auntie Jana began hesitantly, her voice gentle yet probing. "There's something we need to clarify. Are you the Dara that Benedict is supposed to remember?"

Dara met their gaze, understanding the weight of the question. She took a moment before responding, choosing her words with care. "Yes, Auntie Jana, Uncle Cliff. I am Dara. I've been a part of Benedict's life for quite some time now."

Benedict's parents exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. With a gentle nod, his mother gestured towards a corner of the room, indicating a desire for privacy.

"Dara, would it be alright if we had a moment to talk in private?" Benedict's father asked with a warm and respectful tone.

Dara, sensing the importance of the conversation, nodded in agreement. "Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Orcinal. I'm here, and you can talk to me about anything."

Benedict's father asked Caerus if they could use his private office and he immediately agreed. Benedict's parents led Dara to the office, away from the immediate vicinity of Benedict. Once there, his mother spoke with a mix of concern and curiosity in her eyes.

Auntie Jana cleared her throat, breaking the uneasy silence. "Dara, there's something we need to discuss. We've been informed about certain events, and we believe you might have some insight into what happened to Benedict."

Dara's eyes met theirs, and she could feel the weight of their scrutiny. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the forthcoming conversation. "I'll do my best to answer any questions you have."

Uncle Cliff spoke up, his tone carrying a mix of concern and sternness. "We were told that Benedict experienced memory suppression, and there are hints that you might be involved or have some knowledge about it. Can you shed some light on this matter?"

Dara hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Yes, it's true that Benedict underwent memory suppression. But I want you to know that it wasn't something I did willingly or maliciously. It was a decision made under complex circumstances, and my intention was never to harm him."

Auntie Jana's brows furrowed with concern. "Why would anyone want to suppress Benedict's memories? And how are you connected to all of this?"

Dara took a moment to compose her thoughts. "It's a long and complicated story. Benedict and I were deeply involved, but certain events led to the decision to suppress his memories for his well-being. There were external factors and risks involved, and it was deemed necessary at that time."

Uncle Cliff's expression hardened. "You decided our son's memories without consulting us? How could you do that?"

Dara lowered her gaze, understanding the weight of their anger and frustration. "I know it might be difficult to comprehend, and I apologize if my actions have caused you pain. My priority has always been Benedict's safety and happiness, even if it meant making tough decisions."

Auntie Jana sighed, the tension in the room palpable. "We just want what's best for Benedict. Whatever happened, we need to find a way to help him remember and navigate through this together."

Dara nodded, a sense of responsibility weighing on her shoulders. "I agree. We'll find a way to bring his memories back and ensure he gets the support he needs."

As the conversation continued, the room became a battleground of emotions, with the shared goal of unraveling the mysteries surrounding Benedict's memory suppression. The path ahead was uncertain, but they faced it together, bound by a common love for the son they all wished to see whole once again.