ELENA POV
I was getting stronger.
Walking twenty steps now without the parallel bars. Still shaky, but progress.
Dr. Patel was pleased. "Your physical recovery is remarkable. How are you feeling mentally?"
"Frustrated."
"That's normal. Amnesia patients often."
"I don't mean about amnesia. I mean, about everyone treating me like a child."
Dr. Patel set down her clipboard. "What do you mean?"
"Everyone's hiding something from me. About what happened. About why I was in that river. About these scars." I held up my wrists. "These aren't from a fall. These are restraint marks."
Dr. Patel's expression didn't change. But I saw something flicker in her eyes.
"Elena, I understand your frustration. But your brain has been through significant trauma. Pushing too hard for memories that aren't ready to surface can cause more harm than good."
"So I'm just supposed to accept not knowing who I am?"
