CHAPTER FIVE HUNDRED AND THIRTY EIGHT – DEALING WITH MEMORY LOSS

Jasmine nodded, steeling herself for the challenge ahead. She might be a stranger to Marco now, but she was determined to help him find his way back to himself – and to her. Over the next few days, Jasmine devoted herself entirely to Marco's recovery. She brought in photos, mementos, anything that might spark a memory. She recounted stories of their shared past, watching his face intently for any sign of recognition. "This is from your twenty-fifth birthday," she said one afternoon, showing him a photo of them laughing together at a party. "We went to that little jazz club you loved. Do you remember? You tried to convince everyone you could play the saxophone, but when they handed you one, you could barely make a sound." Marco studied the photo, his brow furrowed in concentration. For a moment, Jasmine thought she saw a flicker of something in his eyes. But then he shook his head, frustration evident in the set of his jaw. "I'm sorry," he said, handing the photo back. "It's like...