Amnesia (inspired by a true story)

Our mind works like a computer. Mine just got reformatted.

The woman beside me, who introduced herself as my sister, told me everything about the accident; How my car plunged into a dark alley after I've missed the sharp curve; and that I drove drunk like any other nights.

Lying in the hospital bed with a broken leg and a fractured skull, I got numerous visits from people I can't remember. However, today would be an extra special, the woman/my sister said. I will receive a visit from my family who was away for so many years.

Why were they away? I asked my sister. She seemed sad with my question and answered. "You were away"

There was a knock on the door. The woman/my sister opened the door and a crowd poured inside the small room.

The children came in first. They were laughing and they were carrying fruits. I looked at my sister; and her, knowing my wondering, whispered that the children are our grandchildren from my eldest son.

My eldest son came in crying. He hugged me tightly. It was a weird feeling being hugged by a stranger; but his embrace seemed familiar.

The rest of my sons and daughters did the same thing. They embraced me awkwardly. It was my first time; and it was theirs.

I was happily crying with them trying to memorize their names when I noticed a beautiful woman standing at the back of the door. I asked my sister who she was since I've never seen someone so beautiful before.

My sister laughed and said that the woman was my wife. My ex-wife to be exact, since we've never seen each other for 20 years.

She was crying and I was looking at her intently. Why would I let go of someone so beautiful? What kind of person was I? Why would I stay away from this happy family?

My questions were replaced by the sound of the knocking on the door. My ex-wife opened the door and there stood a man with graying hair just like mine. He looked at me and smiled.

"Lolo" my grandchildren shouted. "Dad" said my youngest daughter. They took him by the hand and walked him towards me.

We shook hands silently.

I just met my ex-wife's husband.

They left early that day. Unfortunately, my ex-wife found the situation a bit uncomfortable. I never even got to talk to her.

It was a 20-minute visit; Just enough time to know my old self.