Chapter 23 Wow!
Maggie led Tonia farther into the house, her steps slowing as she reached the living room. The space opened up in front of them— wide, airy, sunlight spilling in through tall glass windows that framed the woods outside like a painting. Maggie gestured toward one of the plush couches, her palm open, her posture polite but slightly stiff.
“You can have your seat,” Maggie said.
Tonia glanced around, her eyes taking in the familiar room, then smiled softly as she lowered herself onto the couch. “Thanks.”
Maggie sat across from her, choosing the opposite couch. She rested her hands on her knees, fingers interlaced, posture upright. For a few seconds, she simply smiled— small, polite, searching— while silence stretched between them.
Tonia noticed.
The way Maggie’s eyes flicked to the paintings on the wall.
The way she inhaled like she wanted to speak, then stopped.
The way her smile lingered a second too long.
Maggie shifted slightly, then let out a soft laugh under her breath.
“Where are my manners?” she said suddenly, pushing herself to her feet. “What should I offer you?”
“I’m fine,” Tonia replied immediately, lifting her hand.
Maggie shook her head, already waving the idea away. “Rubbish. I insist. You’re not a stranger here— even if I don’t remember.” She gave a half smile that was equal parts warmth and apology.
Tonia studied her face, then sighed lightly. “Alright,” she said. “A bottle of water is fine.”
“I’ll be back,” Maggie said, turning toward the kitchen.
She walked away briskly, her movements instinctive, as though her body remembered the house even if her mind didn’t. Tonia watched her go, her expression thoughtful, almost sad.
Moments later, Maggie returned, carrying a chilled bottle of water and a glass. She placed them carefully on the tempered glass table in front of Tonia, making sure they were within easy reach before sitting back down.
“Thank you,” Tonia said, genuinely appreciative.
Maggie smiled as she settled into her seat again.
“You’ve always been accommodating,” Tonia added, unscrewing the bottle cap. “Always insisting I take something whenever I came over.”
Maggie’s eyes widened slightly. “I did?”
“Yes,” Tonia said, nodding. “Every time.”
Maggie let out a small laugh, leaning back against the couch. “Guess some things don’t change.”
“I guess,” Tonia agreed, lifting the glass and pouring herself some water.
Maggie watched quietly as Tonia took her first sip. Her gaze lingered, studying her guest’s face— how relaxed she seemed, how familiar the space clearly was to her.
After a moment, Maggie cleared her throat.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course,” Tonia replied without hesitation.
Maggie hesitated, then spoke carefully. “Would you say we know each other well?”
Tonia paused mid-movement, glass hovering just above the table. She looked up.
“I’d say so,” she answered honestly. “Yes.” Then her brows furrowed slightly. “Why do you ask?”
Maggie swallowed. “I was wondering… if you could tell me the things I like. If you know.”
Tonia’s expression softened immediately.
“Oh,” she said gently. “You like a lot of things.” She smiled faintly. “Especially staying healthy. You love your early-morning jogs. Rain or shine.” She chuckled. “You’re very free-spirited. Kind. That’s one of the reasons I often came to visit.”
Maggie blinked. “I like running?”
Tonia laughed lightly. “You don’t just like it— you love it.”
Maggie shook her head slowly, amused and stunned at the same time. “That’s hard to imagine.”
“You’d be surprised,” Tonia said. “You’re a disciplined person.”
Maggie nodded, absorbing it.
“Can I ask another question?” she said.
“Anything,” Tonia replied. “Ask away.”
Maggie’s smile faded slightly. “Me and my husband… Andrew. Would you say we love each other?”
Tonia raised an eyebrow. “It seems so,” she said cautiously. “Why do you ask?”
“Nothing,” Maggie replied quickly, almost too quickly.
Tonia leaned back slightly, studying her. “Come to think of it… where is You’re husband?”
“He’s not around,” Maggie said. “He’s out of the country.”
“Out of the country?” Tonia repeated slowly. “And he left you alone?”
“Yes,” Maggie replied, the smile on her face faltering.
Tonia noticed immediately.
“That’s strange,” she said carefully. “The Andrew I know wouldn’t do that. If it weren’t coming from your mouth, I wouldn’t believe it.”
“Believe it,” Maggie whispered.
Tonia frowned. “But why?”
“I don’t know,” Maggie admitted. “From all the pictures I’ve seen, we looked really happy.”
“That’s… strange,” Tonia murmured. Then she looked up. “What about Pete? Where is he?”
“Pete?” Maggie repeated slowly.
“Your son,” Tonia clarified.
Maggie’s face softened instantly. A genuine smile spread across her lips.
“Yes. My son.” She exhaled. “Imagine not even remembering your own child’s name.” Her voice cracked. “I wonder if I was a good mom.”
“Don’t say that,” Tonia said firmly, leaning forward. “You were a good mom. You still are.”
Maggie nodded, blinking rapidly. “Thank you. I needed that.”
“I don’t know where he is,” Maggie continued quietly. “Andrew doesn’t let us talk about him. Apparently I’m a danger to him now that I’ve lost my memories.”
Tonia’s face hardened. “Nonsense. That’s total nonsense.” She paused. “Did anything happen between you two?”
“I don’t know,” Maggie said softly. “That’s what I’m trying to find out.”
Tonia exhaled sharply. “Wow.”