Adam

From Adam's perspective:

Several years have passed since Alain's death, but I still haven't come to terms with it. Almost every month I go to the cemetery, where I erected a monument and an angel statue for her. I sit there for hours, because leaving is the most painful thing. She has never appeared to me in a dream, no matter how much I begged. Her photographs are all over the apartment, and I numb the pain with cigarettes.

On behalf of Alain:

Several years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. I hid it from my loved one, not wanting to hurt him. But one day, I felt ill, and everything went dark.

I woke up in the hospital. The doctors called it a miracle, but I'd lost my hair and the memory of the last fifteen years. My mother didn't explain anything and sent me to live in another city. There, I trained as a doctor and started a new life.

Yesterday I was told of my mother's death. I immediately returned to my hometown. At the cemetery during the funeral, I felt ill, my legs buckled, but someone's strong arms kept me from falling.

From Adam's perspective:

I just wanted to help the stranger, but when I saw her face, I froze.

Alain.

Alive. Real.

She said something, but all I heard was the beating of my own heart.

"Thank you... I'm fine," she said, smiling that same, familiar smile. "Alain..." I breathed out, feeling my lips trembling. "Alain, don't look at me like you're seeing me for the first time..."