Project Lazarus

e

days since Harr

trange

mean, after everything-the accident, the hospital, the almo

t

ng to think it

ing's

ng where the spoons go. No. I mean wrong like... he'

e exp

eady in the kitchen. Dressed. Shaved. Shirt tucked i

it was

m a mug. He didn't say good morning. Just nodd

id, rubbing sle

perfect smile, and held out

. "You ma

. "Figured you

My face twisted right away. "Ugh. Thi

. "It's black. Tha

n. "You hate black coffee. Always

"Tastes fin

to make it obvious I was f

ee sugars. I used to tease him for it. He'd always laugh and

ck coffee like he's d

d, r

at's n

oo...

. And folded it *right*. Even the fitted sheets, which I've nev

er been

alks, even a video call with his team. On the dot. Like, not a min

e kisses me fe

ust... not

's reading f

s missing that natural spark. The silly little

e's imitati

ime. His brain went through a lot. But every time I catch him doin

movie. A romantic comedy

guy slips on a banana peel in front of his date and tries to

did

ly. Politely. Like someone who

think it's funny?" he nodded and

ace didn't ma

o believe he was enjoying

about his eyes tha

Same color. Same shape. B

feel

ar

weird, unco

me sometimes. Like I'm part of a

nside a book. It had Harryson's handwriting, from before the accident.

d when

he brought home roses

but now I realize... he forg

uggling cases and paperwork, he always

, more purposeful. Or how he talks-calm and steady, without t

those

iss

omeone took Harryson's body and filled it with a different soul. Like

e now, too. Not in a

all the time. He kisses my forehead

I'm tired. Makes dinner. Tucks me

eel nice. R

t doe

ike he's p

at he thinks a goo

in his heart, but beca

aught myself cryi

even k

I'm scared to

e Harryson I knew di

something

-

ed his mom. Just to chat. Bu

, asking how Harryson was doing

erent," I said gently. "You

she asked, la

said, "he drinks

was a

d. "That boy used to spit it o

, heart sinking.

cident. Sometimes, brain injuries do that. Reset things.

lied. "You

dn't bel

, the more I realize... this

eone pressed

the righ

aner, quie

ctly and remembers every appointment and dri

I should

, he's

s h

, helpful

feel like

precious slipped through my f

-

couldn't

hallway, and saw him sitti

im, on the couch, st

ay anythin

d him from

here, mo

a s

onds, I whisper

is head slo

re you

" he said.

down. "Ca

head. "Didn't

to him, hea

feel okay

great, actually.

was calm

into his

no w

no s

refle

ing into a pond

. Well... let me know

said, kissi

pstairs, but

, listening

ng for

back from that hospital

re and

t thin