When Herman couldn''t remember his past, he clung to his own sense of boundaries. He kept Anastasia at arm''s length, even though deep down, he wanted nothing more than to close the distance.


    Anastasia dropped her gaze, a gentle smile ying on her lips. "You know, I just remembered... When I first moved to Harmony Meadows, you were so worried I''d feel awkward that you set up a guest room for me. When we first got married, we were basically polite strangers. And now, it feels like we''re back at square one—- everything''s so familiar, but at the same time... it all feels so foreign."


    Back then, Herman woulde home and the first thing he did was wrap her in a hug. At night, he couldn''t fall asleep unless he was holding her. Now, all that closeness felt distant and strange.


    Herman wanted to say something, but the words stuck. After a long pause, all he managed was, "I''m sorry. I forgot you."


    That stung even more. Anastasia forced a smile, her voice soft. "It''s alright. Go take your shower before the water gets cold."


    Herman saw the sadness in her eyes, his own gaze dimming. He clutched his pajamas, turned away, and disappeared into the bathroom.


    Once he was gone, Anastasia tipped her head back, blinking away tears. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.


    After she calmed down, she grabbed a fresh nket and made up a bed on the couch. The kids were in good hands with Salma and the nanny-she just didn''t have the energy to be mom tonight. As soon as she finished, she crawled under the covers and fell asleep almost instantly.


    She was bone-tired, her body aching—the kind of ache that warned a fever wasing.


    She''d taken some cold medicine, so her sleep was heavy and dreamless. She had no idea when Herman came out of the bathroom.


    When Herman finished his shower, he saw her asleep, peaceful and still. Not wanting to wake her, he moved quietly, crouched beside her, and just watched her sleep.


    Watching her made him feel strangely calm.


    He remembered watching Sandy like this before, but he''d felt nothing. That''s when he realized he and Sandy never had anything real between them.


    Thanks to Nichs''s slip-ups, he knew he wasn''t George, no matter what anyone said. He saw no point in confronting a crowd of liars-he''d only get more lies in return.


    Even in her sleep, Anastasia was restless. She kept murmuring his name, reaching out for him in her dreams.


    Herman sat cross-legged on the carpet, gently holding her hand, their fingersced together. Only then did Anastasia finally settle, her sleep deepening.


    He stayed there for ages. By the


    time the sky started to lighten, his legs werepletely numb. Worried she''d wake up and find him


    ve


    watching her, he finally slipped away to the couch to rest.


    Anastasia didn''t wake up until almost noon. She''d slept for nearly ten hours, and


    for the first time in days, she felt rested her fever had broken, and her mind was clear.


    She looked around and realized Herman wasn''t there. Panic shot through her. She didn''t even bother with slippers, just ran out barefoot to find him.


    She spotted Salma in the hallway. "Mom, have you seen Herman? Is he back?"


    For a moment, she was convinced it had all been a dream.


    "He''s back, honey. He''s in the yroom with the kids," Salma said, then fussed, "And where are your slippers? You''ll catch cold running around like that! Go back and put something on your feet." Salma''s heart ached-Anastasia must have been so scared of losing Herman toe running out like this.


    Relief washed over Anastasia. "I thought I dreamed it," she whispered to herself.


    But this was real. After washing up, she headed to the yroom, where the sound


    ofughter spilled into the hallway.


    Emmie and Nancy were giggling like crazy.


    Anastasia peeked in. Herman was wearing a silly headband with horns and crawling around on the mats, chasing the kids and calling out, "Herees the big bull! Run!"


    Emmie and Nancy shrieked withughter, crawling away as fast as they could. Pattie pped and cheered them on from the side.


    When Herman finally flopped down, worn out, Emmie and Nancy mbered onto his chest, poking his cheeks, pulling at his hair,pletely delighted. Pattie snuggled up by his arm.


    Just then, Katelyn''s voice drifted over in a quiet whisper, "Look at them-all so happy. Blood really is thicker than water. Even if he can''t remember, some things are just in your bones."


    Katelyn spoke softly, not wanting to disturb the happy chaos inside.


    Anastasia gently closed the door and followed Katelyn to the sunroom to sit for a while.


    Katelyn asked, "Ana, did you ever ask Herman about Sandy? Did you find out what happened? Was she involved in his disappearance?"


    "I didn''t ask," Anastasia said, "but if I had to guess, I''d say Sandy took him from Springfield. When he lost his memory, she kept him hidden and tried to keep him for herself."