The Town of Forgotten Memories

Ellie had insisted they rest the day before, but Alex couldn't shake the feeling of unease. There was something about this town, so

ex as they walked. The streets were eerily quiet, but as Alex passed, people emerged from their homes, greeting them wi

, a weathered face and gnarled hands waving in the ai

a strained smile. It felt strange to be

med earned. "It's so good to see you out and about. You've been th

felt the need to walk away, but the man's friendl

middle-aged woman passed by, walking a small terrier

r today, Alex!" she called

all too much. The warm, familiar greetings that didn't feel earned, the names they

icles were old trucks that looked like they hadn't been used in years, parked in driveways with leaves scattered on their hoods. The shops had faded signs, advertising g

ce. No Wi-Fi.

ed with a message: No service. The thought of reaching out, callin

e something stuck in an era long pas

or read Dr. Walter Grayson, Family Physician. Something in Alex's gut twisted at the sight of it. The small, single-st

ex pushed open the do

s sparse, with worn chairs lining the walls and a small reception des

. He's been so concerned about your recovery," sh

ng me?" Alex a

st natural thing in the world. "He's been keeping

He was tall, with graying hair and sharp features. His glasses perched on the

yson said with a warm smile, extending his

g. There was something reassuring about his presence, but also

s place, nothing out of order. Dr. Grayson gestured toward a chair, and

ay?" Dr. Grayson asked, his

ng their temples. "I still don't remember a

porary amnesia. Your memory loss is likely due to a traumatic event-a shock to your system that your mind is struggling to pr

wirling in their head. It didn't make sense. Bu

n ordeal, and recovery takes time. You'll remember. Things will come b

y had been given, the explanation that seemed so simple-too simple. But as Dr. Grayso

whispers from the basement. None of it felt

thing was fine, made it hard to argue. Maybe they real

into something much darker. Someth

l prescribe you something to help with the headaches. Rest is i

"Thanks," they said, still unsure of w

in. "Take care, Alex. Everyth

the feeling that the doctor's words, the town's endless smiles, and the eerie stil

was fine.

s mind once more, as the town of familiar st