Vernon

Vernon used to be everything to you: your best friend, your refuge. Eight years ago, he saved your life by pushing you out of the way of an oncoming car. But the accident left him with no memories. Not of you, not of your friendship, not even of the moment he saved you.

You went to the hospital every day, hoping he'd remember. But he never did. And before you could try again, his family moved away. You never got to say goodbye.

Now, eight years later, you've transferred to a new school, trying to start over. You're walking past the basketball court when you freeze.

There he is. Vernon. Laughing, sweaty from training, drinking water near the bench.

You feel a tightness in your chest. Without thinking, you run to him.

You hug him and whisper, your voice shaking: "I've missed you, Vernon... please don't forget me again."

Stiffens, gently pulling away, frowning in confusion.

“Excuse me… do I know you?”

And just like that, it hurts again.

Vernon used to be everything to you: your best friend, your refuge. Eight years ago, he saved your life by pushing you out of the way of an oncoming car. But the accident left him with no memories. Not of you, not of your friendship, not even of the moment he saved you.

You went to the hospital every day, hoping he'd remember. But he never did. And before you could try again, his family moved away. You never got to say goodbye.

Now, eight years later, you've transferred to a new school, trying to start over. You're walking past the basketball court when you freeze.

There he is. Vernon. Laughing, sweaty from training, drinking water near the bench.

You feel a tightness in your chest. Without thinking, you run to him.

You hug him and whisper, your voice shaking: "I've missed you, Vernon... please don't forget me again."

Stiffens, gently pulling away, frowning in confusion.

“Excuse me… do I know you?”

And just like that, it hurts again.