My eyes are chained to the screen of my phone. This isn't real. It can't be. I blink a couple of times but the message stays the same. Link is awake...

Wake up, Zelda, wake up. I shut my eyes, painfully so, until I see snow dancing behind my eyelids. I pull my phone to my chest and lean my forehead against my knees. Wake up. Please wake up. Sweat is dripping down my back. I'm shaking uncontrollably.

I open my eyes... I'm still here. Hiding in a criminal's house. I have to go. But Malice... What's going to happen to her? I can't let her take the blame for my actions. Not when the punishment is physical.

I'm too scared of moving... The silence is paralyzing. I bring my hand up, it feels so heavy but weightless at the same time... I reach for the closet door and push it open. It takes me a couple of seconds to find the strength to get up. What now?

I can't stand up to Ganondorf. It has to be the police. I walk up to the door. In a stupor, I manage to get a hold of the doorknob without tripping over. I stop there. What if they're out there? What if they catch me? What if Ganondorf locked the doors and I can't even get out anymore? Should I call Impa?

I let go of the doorknob. Trying not to make a noise, I walk over to the window. No lock. I push it open, slowly, biting my teeth harder with every noise that comes from it. I lean my body over the edge. It's far to the ground. Not too far though... I could jump into the pool, the water would dampen my fall, but the noise would get me killed.

I look back into the room with a frown. I'll come back for you, Malice. I'll get help. My eyes land on the closet just before I turn back toward the window. I hurry across the room one last time, pull my sleeve down to cover my hand, and pick up the baseball bat. Keeping it as far away from my body as possible, I return to the window.

I feel dizzy just looking at the ground. Not because I'm afraid of heights, but because I feel like my body consists of nothing but bones and air. I take a deep breath. I'm going to have to jump...

I lean over as far as I can and bring the bat as close to the lawn as I can before dropping it. The noise was subtle. I have to move quickly now. Clutching to the ledge, I quietly lower my body toward the ground. Then I let go!

I try to catch my fall but my ankle bends and I plunge to the floor in flaming pain. Shit! I have to bite my hand to swallow the scream pushing against the rear of my throat. That hurt! And it wasn't exactly a silent escape either! 

I pull down my sleeve once more, grab the bat, and cross the street in a painful crouch. I steer for Impa's car without checking for oncoming traffic, then I yank the car door open and jump in. 

"Drive," I heave. "Go!"

"Finally! I started to get worried," she turns the engines on and starts driving. "Mipha called–"

"Ganondorf was home," I interrupt in a puff of air.

"No way... He saw you?"

"No, but Malice did!" I open the window. I need air! "They have guns!"

"I don't know a single American who doesn't."

"Stop the car!" I beg.

"What?" 

She pulls over, having noticed that I am unable to answer. I open the door, lean over, and throw up the two bites of rice I had for dinner last night. My body craves to empty my stomach even more but there is nothing left to give. I cough and spit at the curbside. I feel like I'm dying rotting on inside.

"Are you having a panic attack? What happened in there?" Impa asks, now adapting to my panic.

"He hits her," I say.

"We knew that."

"No, Ganondorf hits her too. She lives with them."

"Oh... shit."

"She's terrified of him. She said he'd kill me if he found me and I don't think she was exaggerating."

"But he didn't see you, right?"

"I don't think so, no..."

"Good. Fuck, should have called me or sent a text, I could have done something."

"There is nothing you could have done that wouldn't have gotten us in more trouble." My stomach is on fire. I cough a couple more times, then fall back into the seat and shut the door. "We have to call the police. He's going to hurt Malice. Or worse..."

"Should we call right now?"

"Yes. But do it anonymously."

"Did you leave the drugs?" she asks, dialing 911.

"Forget about the drugs, they'll arrest him for the money, guns, and physical assault."

"Just one question... Why'd you steal a bat?"

"It's evidence," I swallow what tastes like blood.

"Yeah, evidence that we broke in." She whispers. "I hope you're not planning on giving that to the cops."

I take a dreadful look at the bat in my grip. Shit. No! I let go, reach for the phone, and end the call just in time. "We can't call the police! I touched like every doorknob in the house! My fingerprints are all over the place!"

"You think they'll look for prints?"

"I don't know but I can't risk it! What if the police think I'm part of their crimes?"

The hatred is eating me alive. How selfish can one be? To decide that a record is more important than another person's safety, I can't recall ever doing anything more disgraceful. Having changed my mind, the distant call of a sirene emerges. Stupified, we sit in silence for no more than five seconds; until the trees down the road are highlighted by red and blue lights.

"Did they track the call?" Impa asks bewildered.

Staring at the street, I shake my head. "It doesn't work like that. Somebody else must have called the police."

"What should we do?"

"I–er–" I stiffen my shoulder, eyes held captive by fear.

Two police cars appear at the intersection in front of us and come rushing toward us. "Zelda?" Impa presses nervously. "What should we do?"

"I don't know!"

I raise my hands in surrender and bring my chin to my chest. We're going to go to jail! I'll never finish college! I will never become a biologist, I will never receive a Nobel prize, and worst of all, I will never see Link again! I could have had him back, but now I'm losing him all over again, just because I wanted to prove to the world that I am not afraid!

The police cars dash by without as much as a glance at us and continue down the road. We're not going to jail! Not yet at least!

"We have to go to the hospital," I let out a long breath and lower my hands again. "Link is awake. I have to see him."

"It'll give us a good alibi too," Impa chuckles nervously and turns the car back on.

We drive in silence, all the way back to the hospital. I don't speak about what happened, Impa doesn't ask questions. Everything happened so fast, I can hardly even remember how I got to that room or how I got out. I can't imagine what it must feel like living there. In constant fear, constant stress, always cautious of the actions taken and the words spoken. Always fearing punishment. Unable to leave, always asking yourself what would happen if you did leave. Or what will happen if you don't.

I drink some water and take a look in the mirror before we leave the car. My skin is frighteningly pale and my hair is curly from the braids I wore last night, but other than that, I look the same. As if nothing had happened... How is that even possible. I feel like we were gone for a whole week, has it really only been a day?

"Here," Impa holds out a pack of gum.

"Thank you," I sigh and take one.

"I know you just went through hell, but are you excited to see him?"

"I'm scared."

"Why?"

"No idea."

One step out of the car and I collapse. I think I sprained my ankle when I jumped out the window! Impa helps me up and gives me some support until we reach the elevator. It hurts but I can stand and walk. Even if my leg was broken, I'd still go to see Link. Nothing can stop me from talking to him now. Not after everything I've been through with and for him.

Once we're in the elevator, time slows down so suddenly that gravity feels heavier and the air thicker. We arrive at the ICU, my heart drops to the pit of my stomach. Mipha is standing outside Link's room, probably waiting for us. When her eyes land on us, she smiles and waves her hand in a subtle motion. I barely give her as much as a nod when we reach her. I just want to be with him! But Mipha is in the way, trying to tell me something.

"He's asleep," she says.

"You said he woke up," I argue, eager to pass.

"He did, but only for a minute. He didn't even register that I was there. It might take him a few days to fully regain consciousness."

"Okay, can you move?" I command. I take a step back, sinking into the familiar shame of guilt. "I'm really sorry... I didn't mean to bark at you."

"No, it's... okay."

"It's just–I just need to see him. I'll wait for him to wake up. I don't want to miss it again, I just need to be with him."

"Yes, of course. I never meant to keep you from seeing him. I just wanted to inform you that his mother is with him."

I totally forgot about her... My chest falls, my shoulders drop. What am I going to do now? I just snapped at Mipha. For crying out loud, I just broke into somebody's house to plant false evidence and stole something on my way out. I am nowhere close to ready for a proper get-to-know. How can I sell myself as a good girlfriend looking and acting the way I do? I'm skittish, I'm sweaty, I just threw up in the car.

"If you want to meet her, I will translate for you," Mipha offers. "She understands a few words of English but doesn't speak it very well."

"Okay," I nod. I didn't go to Ganon's house for nothing. I didn't get out of there alive to be scared of meeting Link's mother. I'm done feeling fragile.

"Okay," Mipha returns the nod and opens the door.

I follow her inside, almost trying to hide behind her slim figure. A beautiful woman sits by the bedside, pale with dark hair. I see no resemblance to the boy whose hand she is holding, that is until her eyes look up at us. Even though their eyes aren't the same color, something about the way she looks at us feels so familiar that it makes me feel at home. Just the way he does.

Mipha says something in Japanse and steps aside when she mentions my name. A smile appears on the woman's face and she gets up to bow to me at the same time as I reach to shake her hand. I quickly withdraw my hand and awkwardly switch to a bow.

She returns something in Japanese. I turn my head to give Mipha a questioning look. She smiles back at me.

"Nice to meet you," Mipha translates.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," I nod with a stiff posture. Hands behind my back, I look over at Link. His chest is still moving, I just had to check. He looks fast asleep. Relieved, my eyes return to Mipha.

"Can you tell her that I don't usually look like this? It's been a long day and I came here the second I saw your text. I haven't even showered today. Wait, don't tell her that. Just say I usually dress appropriately and brush my hair before I leave the house."

Mipha nods amused and precedes with the translation, gaining a soft laugh from Link's mother. She seems very nice. Calm and respectful. Another resemblance to her son. I would love to tell her what a humble and generous man she raised and how he has changed my life for the better but I would feel a bit uncomfortable using Mipha of all people to translate such fondness.

Mipha and I take a seat on the couch. We are back to waiting. But it feels different this time. Less scary, I suppose. I'm glad I chose to stay. Today I almost peed myself in a moment of terror but somehow I feel stronger than ever. Confronting Karusa, entering Ganon's house, meeting Link's mother... Different kinds of fears but I faced them all and I am secretly proud of myself.

I send Impa home after a couple of hours. She has been through enough for a day. And it's not like I don't have any company as I sit and wait. Besides, she has to hide the baseball bat.

A couple of hours into the night, Link's mother and I switch spots. She rests on the couch with Mipha while I sit by his side. His hand twitches here and then, and while I know that those could be random muscle spasms, I can't help but squeeze his hand back, letting him know that I'm here. I wish I could sit awake all night and wait for him to wake up, but my body cannot skip any more sleep.

My eyes shut against my will and stay that way until I wake up from the pillow moving under my head. Except it's not a pillow; it's Link's hand. I sit up in a heartbeat and there they are, those ocean-colored eyes looking back at me. I am too stunned to take a full breath.

"L–Link," I whisper with a vast smile. His eyes leave mine to look around the room. "You're in the hospital. You're okay," I try to keep my voice down as I grow more excited. Am I dreaming? I've had this dream so many times that I can't differentiate this beautiful moment from the ones I've pictured in my head.

"How are you? That is a horrible question, isn't it? Are you in pain?" I ask in one breath, full of worry and excitement.

"Tired," his voice comes out as a mere whisper.

"I've missed you so much... It's so good to hear your voice," I am in tears. It feels like forever since we actually talked. Or even looked at each other. Unfortunately, the moment doesn't last very long. Link has already fallen back asleep. I plant a gentle kiss on his hand.

"Take all the time you need. I will wait for you."

✤ ✤ ✤

The next day, I go home in the morning to take a shower, brush my teeth, and untangle my hair... I feel reborn. Even my ankle doesn't hurt anymore. When I leave the bathroom and return to my room with a towel hugging my body, my phone vibrates on the nightstand. Every time I receive a text, my heart skips five beats hoping and dreading that it is about Link. Just as I unplug my phone, Father gently knocks against the door.

"Zelda?" he quietly speaks. "Are you decent?"

"One second," I bid and put the phone down to get dressed. "Okay."

Father opens the door and steps inside. I haven't seen him in a couple of days. That isn't anything new but usually he is the one who is gone all the time.

"I wanted to speak to you about yesterday."

"Yesterday?" I gulp.

"The phone call..." What phone call? "You hung up in the middle of our conversation." Oh, that phone call. I take a seat on my bed and prepare to be rebuked. "I'm sorry if I said something that upset you."

"What?"

"When I mentioned your mother's passing, I wasn't implying that Link was gone. I just wanted to let you know that I understand what loss feels like and that you can talk to me. I don't mean to assume how you feel, but I suspect you might be going through similar emotions I did. I was hurting for a long time. I didn't handle grief very well... I felt anger, not just toward others but myself, and her, for leaving, despite it not being her fault. I felt abandoned, and in response, I abandoned you. I am sincerely sorry for all my past mistakes. Being a parent can be an impossible challenge, yet it is our duty to be there for our children. Always."

"I understand how you felt when Mother passed. I lost her too, you know? I felt all the grief you felt. But I was grieving the loss of both my parents."

"I... I know. I'm sorry."

"And about yesterday... I didn't hang up because I was upset with you. I was just... in the middle of something. You didn't do anything wrong."

"I see," he sighs with relief.

"Father... Pain has driven us to accept a darker side of ourselves. My anger diminishes my fears the same way distance puts your grief at ease. We find comfort in the temporary delusion and would rather feel consequential shame for our actions than accept the fact that anger doesn't actually diminish our fears. And leaving your home doesn't make missing her any less painful. Everything here reminds you of her, you can't escape that, even my name is a bitter reminder of her absence. But leaving it all behind won't bring her back."

"I couldn't agree more. I just wish I could have seen that a decade sooner."

"It is knowing how to distinguish the right and the wrong that grants us second chances. I believe you when you say you're sorry, and that is what makes forgiveness... easier. I forgive you." I give him an honest smile and watch as the remorse in his eyes melts away. He walks up to me and gives me a kiss on the forehead.

"Thank you. I'm really proud of you. For all your accomplishments and for the person you have become," he says, and for the first time, he sounds sincere saying it. "Do you need a lift to the hospital?"

"How about some lunch first?"

"Excellent idea," he beams with glossy eyes and leaves my room to inform the chef.

My stomach growls as I grab my phone to see who texted me. Is my appetite returning? Better not jinx it. I look at my phone, it's Impa. She sent me a link to a newspaper article. My jaw drops as I read the headline.

Lorule Academy Athlete Arrested for Illegal Drug Use and Possession of Unregistered Firearms

Ganon got arrested? I skim through the article... The neighbors called the police after they heard the glass shatter... They saw someone breaking into the house and later escape through the window... While the identity of the burglar remains unknown, the police discovered a suspicious amount of banknotes and loaded guns... I scroll down further. Ganondorf was questioned and claimed he had been unaware of his son's operations since he moved out a while ago when he left the house to his son.

I don't believe it! He threw his son under the bus to keep his hands clean. What a narcissistic sociopath. Not that Ganon doesn't deserve it, but still.

Who knows how long Ganon will be gone this time, but at least my actions weren't all in vain. If I hadn't broken in, the police wouldn't have shown up and Ganon would still be a free man. 

So many things could have gone wrong. If Father hadn't called, my phone wouldn't have been muted when Mipha called. Ganondorf would have found me and who knows what he would have done. I trust Malice, okay trust is a big word, but I have faith that Malice didn't tell Ganondorf about me. I have to find her soon and talk about what happened.

After lunch, yes, actual lunch, not just crackers, I drive back to the hospital. Neither Link's mother nor Mipha are there when I arrive but a doctor is in the room, blocking my path of vision. Worry immediately takes over when I see her standing over Link's body. I always get nervous when the doctors are in here.

"Pardon me," I make my presence known. "Is everything alright?"

The doctor turns around and gives me a friendly nod. "He's still weak from the coma. It is important that we approach him calmly and with patience. He is not fully aware of what happened and–"

Link is awake? My mind blocks out the rest when I peek around her and meet Link's eyes across the room! He is sitting up! He is awake! Fully awake! I am in his arms before I know it. He seems overwhelmed at first but he finally lifts his arm and places it on my back! Oh my goodness, I am tearing up! I've missed him so much!

"Hey," I cry, trying not to hurt him as I tighten my arms.

"Hi," he chuckles."

"Are you in pain?" I don't ever want to let go of him again!

"No." He sounds so weak, it's breaking my heart but hearing his voice gives me life! "Still dopy from the drugs."

"Drugs?" I look up at the doctor.

"Medications," she chuckles. "We'll run some more tests but so far, everything looks good."

A burst of joy slips out through a short laugh while tears run down my face. "Oh Link," I wipe the tears as I back away to take a good look at him. "I was scared to death... I know it's a trite phrase but I don't know what I would have done if I lost you!" I hug him again.

"I'm sorry for scaring you."

"Don't apologize, it's not your fault! It's all Karusa's and Ganon's fault! But Ganon has been arrested, so at least he is facing some sort of charges."

"Who? Sorry, my memory is a little... hazy..."

I loosen our hug slowly. "Your Memory?"

"It's quite normal," the doctor assures. "Link is suffering from post-traumatic amnesia. His memory will return gradually over the next 2 to 7 days. Sometimes it can take longer. Some memories might not come back for months if ever"

"So you're telling me this is anywhere between normal and permanent brain damage?" My smile freezes.

"It's too soon to tell how much of his memory has been damaged. Link has suffered serious head trauma, he is lucky to be alive."

"O-okay, yes, but–but how bad is it?"

"I can't remember the baseball game. Or much from before," Link answers.

"Much? What is much? Hours? Months?" How much is missing if you can't remember Ganon?"

"Not sure," he answers.

"But... you recognize me, right? You know who I am?"

"You're my girlfriend," he sounds a little unsure but at least he isn't drawing a complete blank.

He grabs his phone from the nightstand and hands it to me. "They said it's mine. I don't remember my pin but you're on the lock screen, so I'm assuming we're dating. I also recognize your voice. You were the one telling me to open my eyes, or maybe that was just a dream. But yeah, you feel familiar."

"Wait... you don't... you don't... you don't actually know who I am?" Breathe. The doctor said it's normal.

"I'm not really sure. My mind is still kinda confused, sorry. I'm freaking out too but the doc said it's fine, right? So we just have to wait a bit."

"Link..." Now my tears of joy are turning into actual tears. I was so excited to see him again but he doesn't even recognize me. I turn back to the doctor. "You're sure this is normal? He can get his memory back, right?"

"In most cases, yes."

"What are the statistics? Is there a percentage of times the answer is no?"

"Patience," she gives me a soothing smile. "He needs rest. A long road of recovery lies ahead and worrying about the what if's does not speed up the process."

"You're a doctor! Worrying about the what if's is your job," I tell her annoyed.

"Yes, my job. Not yours. The best thing you can do for him at the moment is to be there for him and keep him calm," she keeps her composure and leaves the room.

I take a deep breath. How am I supposed to keep calm when he is missing half his memory? I take a seat in the chair I've been sitting in for the past three weeks.

"Your pin is 030317." I unlock his phone and hand it back to him. I guess I will have to just pretend to be calm.

"Good to know," he chuckles.

"Do you know who you are?"

"Yeah. Kinda? My brain feels scrambled. They told me my name and I feel like I know who I am but honestly, I also kinda feel like a stranger to myself."

"You're Link Miyamoto. You're 18 years old. You're a student at Hyrule University. Does that name sound familiar?"

"Yeah, the doctors have mentioned it a couple of times."

"Not your name. Hyrule."

"Oh. Um... Yeah, I guess?"

"It's my last name."

"So... wait, you own the school?" He arches his brow, suppressing a smile.

"Yes. Well, my father does."

"Wait, you're kidding. Right? If you're trying to mess with me, that's some dark humor."

"My family name is Hyrule," I say with a serious mien.

"Damn. Okay. I feel rude for asking, but are you loaded? I mean, how many people can say they own a university? That's kinda crazy."

"You are my boyfriend. Don't feel rude for asking personal questions," I say quietly. Having to tell him that he is my boyfriend is heavy on my heart.

"Okay," he nods in agreement. "It's weird... dating someone I don't really know." Yep, that hurt. "You're really attractive though, so I can't really complain." Okay, you are pardoned.

"Do you know who Mipha is?" I change the subject, probably turning red as I speak.

"Mh... No, sorry. Is that your name?"

"No. She's your best friend. You grew up together. Do you know where you grew up?"

"Japan."

"Yes. Good."

"Hey, 3 out of 6. Or so. That's what–a B+?" he displays a proud grin.

"More like a C-."

"Would be awkward if I failed a quiz about myself. Maybe I should take notes," he jokes.

"You're awfully cheerful for someone who just woke up from a coma," I note concerned.

"Am I usually gloomy?"

"No, but... less chirpy."

"I'll make sure to write that down." He actually grabs his phone and starts typing into his notes. "Be less chirpy. Done."

He's acting differently. Carefree. Maybe it's because he doesn't remember the Boars and all his ill feelings for them.

"You're an athlete," I tell him. If he doesn't remember that and the pressure that burdened him all these years, it might explain his unusual blithe.

"Not anymore," he presses his lips together and gestures at his leg.

"It will heal," I say, unsure whether it's true.

"You're being very optimistic."

"I'm really not. I'm a realist. I like facts. And fact is you've come back from a knee surgery twice before. Therefore, odds are you can do it again."

"You're super nice."

"That's the amnesia talking," I attempt a joke, hiding the truth within.

"Why? Are you usually not nice? Should I add that to my notes?"

"Yes, write down A not-so-chirpy guy dating a not-so-nice girl."

"A match made in heaven," he laughs. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Given your current state, I'd advise you to ask as many questions as you can come up with."

"What's your name?"

I did not expect that question to hit me like a slap across the face. Tears blur my vision as I swallow in pain. "Zelda."

"Pretty name. Sounds exotic."

"It's of German origin. May I ask a question as well?"

"No. Just kidding, go ahead."

A quiet sigh escapes my lips. It's hard to ask him a serious question when he is acting all jocular. Promising myself not to start crying again, I take a step closer and almost reach for his hand. But I don't. Not yet. I take a moment to find the words, then I look back up at him. His eyes feel unfamiliar, despite their color being the same as they always were. He just feels a little less like home. I suppose our memories shape us. Even if he is still the man I fell in love with, he's not quite the same without our past.

"Do you remember February 21st?"

He scratches the back of his head as he ponders. At least that hasn't changed. "The date? In general?"

"This year's February 21st."

"No. Why? What happened that day? Wait what month is it now?"

"It's March." I give him a soft smile, pretending that I'm not falling apart on the inside. "I think that's enough questions for one quiz. You should rest your brain a bit."

"Yeah, we wouldn't want it to start swelling again," he laughs.

I wish I could laugh along but I won't feel his kind of joy until I know that his memory is okay. The door swings open. Mipha and Link's mother enter, immediately caught in a moment of thrill when they spot Link sitting in his bed.

"You're awake," Mipha chirps. "You should have called," she tells me.

"Sorry. I was–"

"How are you feeling?" she continues to speak to Link.

"Preoccupied," I finish my sentence anyway.

"Tired," Link tells her, accepting her hug.

"He has post-traumatic amnesia," I inform her.

Link's mother begins talking to him while Mipha processes my words. Link seems overcome by joy as he embraces his mother.

"I know, I'm sorry for worrying you all," he says to her. The woman backs away and gives her son a confused look. "Why are you giving me that look?" He asks her, causing more confusion among us. "Mom?"

"She doesn't speak English," Mipha says.

"You remember her?" I ask.

"Yes, and I know she doesn't speak English," Link says confused.

"So speak Japanese," I suggest.

"That's what I've been doing," he claims. 

"Should I get the doctor?" I ask them, feeling the panic knocking on my heart.

"It's common for bilingual coma patients to confuse language," Mipha says calmly. "I'll just translate until his Japanese is back."

And just like that, I'm in the back again, watching as Link's best friend and the mother he remembers to surround him with love and care.

"You're Mipha, right?" Link asks the pretty girl. "Are you a doctor or something? I remember you taking care of my injuries. Or am I confusing things again?"

"That'll be me," she smiles at him.

It's fine, Zelda, they've known each other their entire lives. They share way more memories.

"I'll be out in the hallway, I have to inform Impa and the others," I excuse myself and leave the room without anyone even noticing my retreat.

As soon as the door shuts behind me, I have forgotten why I stepped out in the first place. It might sound stupid but I have to pinch myself. I just need to know that this isn't some weird dream. Or a hallucination as a side effect of sleep deprivation. No, this is reality and I don't know where to be happy or sad. Of course I am happy he woke up but... No, no buts. I'm happy that he woke up, period.

Part of me wants to get back in there and summarize the past 8 months for him but I know I should give him some space and, more importantly, time. Mipha is the right person to be with him now, as is his mother. It's a really good thing that he remembers them. That means that his memories are indeed slumbering deep within and can be recovered in due time. I just have to do what the doctor said and be patient.

I leave for the day. I considered going to the pier with Impa or stopping by the frat house and listen to Revali rant. Heck, I even considered going to the mall with Pik. Anything to distract my mind. But I end up doing the opposite and spend the day on the small bridge in the park where Link and I sat the night of our first date. All day long, I replay every memory Link and I made last year. I cried a lot, I smiled even more. Just like today.

When the last sun rays have disappeared behind the horizon, I finally feel ready to head back to the hospital. Link had a very exhausting day, lots of demanding tests, physical as well as mental, so I'm assuming he is fast asleep by now. Would it be weird if I spent the night now that he doesn't really remember me? Especially since he is no longer in a coma. Perhaps I shouldn't stay without his consent.

I drive to the hospital anyway, just to see if he is still awake and if any other visitors decided to stay. I knock on his door before I enter. He bids me enter. Nobody else is in the room. Link is sitting in his bed, phone in hand.

"Hey," he says surprised. "I was afraid I wasn't going to see you again."

"I'm sorry for taking off."

"No, I get it. Must be hard to wait for your boyfriend to wake up and then discover he doesn't remember you."

"Precisely..."

"But hey, I've been going through some photos of us on my phone and I actually remember taking some of them."

"Really?" With a pounding heart, I walk up to his bed.

"Yeah, this selfie," he shows me the screen, "We took that at your house and fell into the pool right after."

"Yes! Well, you pushed us, but yes!"

"It was your birthday."

"Yes! Goodness, yes, that's right!"

"Nice socks by the way," he chuckles.

"No! They're so embarrassing!" I cover my glowing face.

"Oh and this photo," he shows me a picture of us at the pier; he in the blue hoodie I love so much and I in a dress covered in nachos. "This was like way back in the beginning, right? I gave you my hoodie that day."

"Yes," I beam. I worried for nothing again. I should get back into mediation. "So... may I ask... Do you really remember me?"

"Well... I remember parts of you. I mean, it'll probably come back over time. Looking at pictures already helped a lot."

"I have a lot more pictures that I can show you," I say, trying to sound optimistic.

"I'm really sorry that I can't really remember how we met exactly or you know, our first kiss and all that."

"It's fine," I lie. It's a white lie. Blaming him or telling him how insecure it makes me feel won't better the situation.

"Let's go somewhere."

"Let's--what? Where? What do you mean?"

"Let's go to the roof. That's what they always do in hospital movies."

"I don't think the roof is accessible. And... er... you can't really leave the bed."

"Au contraire! You'll just have to push me around in a wheelchair."

"So French works but Japanese doesn't?" I tease him.

"Docs said moving around is good. As long as I don't–you know–do a backflip."

"I heard backflips are a real recovery life hack," I joke and he laughs. Probably out of pity because that wasn't very funny. I appreciate that he laughs about my dry jokes though. He once claimed I'm funny, maybe he really does like my jokes.

He sits up with some effort and nods at the wheelchair behind the door. "Grab it."

"Link... we should consult with a doctor before you move around on your own."

"A: I won't be on my own, and B: I've been lying in bed for like a month and you've been watching me lay in bed for a month. We deserve to see the roof. Oh and also, why would there be a wheelchair if not for me to use?"

"I'm only doing this because you're charming," I sigh and follow his commands.

"Are you flirting with me?"

I stop to look at him in silence. He is keeping a straight face, only for a few seconds, then his laughter breaks free. I missed that sound. His smile is contagious.

It takes him some time to move from bed to wheelchair but I help him where I can. We leave his room shortly after. I was nervous that the nurses would yell at us, but they all seem fine as they smile at us on our way down the hall. We discover that the hospital actually has a garden on its roof, specifically designed to calm patients.

A warm, salty ocean breeze greets us when we enter the rooftop. The sky is crisp with a brilliant moon bringing light to the darkness. Not a single star in sight. I suppose we will have to save stargazing for another night. We find the perfect spot near the edge with a mesmerizing view over the city.

"Why is nobody up here? It's so beautiful," I note amazed.

"I reserved the roof, just for you," he shrugs.

"No, you didn't."

"That would impress you through," he chuckles lightly. "Here, help me up."

"You shouldn't."

"We've made it this far."

I roll my eyes at him and offer him my shoulder for support. He puts his arm around me and stands up on one leg. I fold one arm around his waist and keep the other on the stone edge for my own balance. Link looks over the half wall to see how far up we are.

"Should we jump?" He jokes.

"I'm sure the doctor who spent 12 hours putting you back together would just love it if you turned your body into soup."

Link laughs lightly and brings his eyes up to take in the view. Being this close to him feels almost foreign. Just because we haven't been this close in nearly a month. Despite the moon and the city looking like the type of scenery you would see on Pinterest, I can't take my eyes off of him. His bruises are gone, some scars remain, but even so, his face is simply breathtaking.

Suddenly, his head turns to look at me. I suck in a sharp breath as our noses touch for a fleeting moment. I keep still, not moving a single muscle.

"Sorry," he smiles and backs away slightly.

"No, it's–it's fine," I breathe. My stomach flutters just looking at him. I've missed him so much. I still do.

"My memories will come back," he tries to cheer me up. "They already kinda have. I remember going to college and hating my math professor. So I think we'll be fine."

"I know. I just got worried because a lot of things have changed since we first met. I'm not quite the same as I was back then and I fear that by being different from the person you first fell in love with, you'd be unable to feel that way about me if you don't recover certain memories."

His eyes meet mine. "When I'm close to you, I feel things even without my memories."

"Oh..." My eyes widen.

"Should we kiss?"

"K-kiss?" I stammer nervously.

"We've kissed before, right?"

"Yes, but... but why now? That's so random."

"Maybe it'll trigger a memory or something."

"Oh, okay," I nod, more than willing to kiss him. Why am I so nervous though? It's not like we haven't done it before...

He leans in slightly. My heart is embracing this feeling with open arms. My hands are shaking, can he feel it? It must be obvious. His eyes fall to my lips, his hand gently cups my cheek. Every part of my body is craving his love and affection, this is the moment I have been dreaming about for so long!

When his lips finally touch mine, I feel at home. I feel like everything we have experienced and all the memories we have made are coming back to life through this kiss. It feels perfect. There is no better word to describe it. After praying for Link's life, after worrying he may never wake up again, I can finally taste his love again.

I break the kiss, enjoying the comfort of his hug before I look up at him to ask. "Do you remember me now?"

He slowly shakes his head. "I'm sorry..."

"Then who were you kissing just now?" My voice breaks.

"Well, I know who you are. You're Zelda."

"But if you don't remember our past, you just kissed a random girl..."

"It's still you though..." My jaw tenses as I fight to hold back the tears. "My memories will come back. We'll look at your pictures tomorrow. It'll be okay."

All I can offer him in return is a quiet nod. Even if he and the doctors are right, it still hurts to be forgotten like that. Temporary or not. It is an unbearable stab in the heart knowing that Link could be just as happy without me in his life.

"Even though I may not remember how or why we started dating, I know that I am madly in love with you."

His words pull me in. I blink the tears away as I look at him in wonder. "What did you just say?"

"I'm in love with you. It's the strangest feeling ever, because I'm not sure why I feel this way, but I knew it the second I laid eyes on you. I didn't know your name but I knew how I felt about you. Your voice was the first thing I heard waking up, even though you weren't even there. And... I don't know what exactly happened on the day of the game, but the last thing I remember is thinking about you."

The end.

-----

(There will be a sequel!!!!

I know a lot of you had a feeling there was going to be a second book because not everything can be resolved in one chapter. And you were right! The story isn't over yet. I have so much more planned for the characters that I just have to write a second book!!

After a short break, I'll start uploading chapters on Wednesdays and Saturdays again. You'll be able to find the new book on my profile :) I'll make an announcement on Instagram @ nebulace and Twitter @theNebulace when the new book is public! Make sure you're following me so you don't miss it! ^^

I want to thank you for reading this book!! I love you so much for all the support and love you've shown!! All the comments, the dm's, tweets, fanart.... It makes me so happy!!! It's still crazy to me how deeply people care about this story and how many of you tell me that it has affected your life and helped you through rough times... I can't even express how that makes me feel. I wish I could give every single one of you a big hug :) Writing this fanfic has been a lot of fun and interacting with you guys and seeing your reactions has easily become one of my favorite things! So thank you again for reading Thinking About You and I hope you'll be here for the sequel! xoxo -Ace)