Her Eyes by Jennifer Cloud, Regan Taylor Page B

talked about work. It seemed he didn't have anything else happening in his life except for his business. Something about Irvin or Irwin tickled at the edge of her mind. It was like she knew she should remember him, but for some reason just didn't. Something about Irv ... yeah, Irv ... felt wrong. She liked listening to her husband though. His voice was deep and smooth, reminding her of molasses. She closed her eyes as he spoke, letting the sound run over her. It comforted her in ways she didn't fully understand.
    "I must be boring you."
    She opened her eyes and looked at him. “No. I love listening to you talk. I missed it.” She leaned over and rested her head on his arm. “It's like we've been apart for years instead of weeks."
    "I know what you mean."
    They pulled into the grocery store parking lot, and Catherine realized that she hadn't made a list. At the moment, she couldn't even remember what Frank's favorite foods were. That was terrible. What kind of wife couldn't remember the food her husband likes?
    "Are you in the mood for anything special?” She hoped to gain a hint.
    "Whatever you want.” Frank's reply wasn't any help.
    Like the perfect gentleman, he opened her car door for her, and they walked arm in arm into the grocery store. Frank looked a little lost and suddenly she felt the same. She remembered cooking, but couldn't remember ever shopping with Frank. Funny, her memories seemed to be of a different kitchen, but maybe when he built the deck he remodeled the kitchen too? Would he think it odd if she asked?
    She shook her head. She would make steak and potatoes tonight. All men loved that. She could also pick up ingredients for chili, broiled snapper, and maybe lasagna. If Frank made a face at anything, she would put it back. The last thing she needed was for Frank to think she'd lost her mind and couldn't even remember what kind of food he liked.
    Sure, odds were she had lost her mind. That would figure. Finally out of the hospital and she would have to go right back, back to those sterile walls where not even Win could protect her from the voices.
    "Something wrong?"
    Catherine realized that she'd stopped in front of the shopping carts, not moving, only staring straight ahead. Maybe she should tell him what had been going on with her. He was her husband, yet she didn't want to repeat her newest troubles. Somehow telling another that she'd lost her mind made it more real.
    "Nothing.” She pulled a cart out. This was ridiculous. He was her husband and would love her regardless, wouldn't he? “I guess I should tell you something. My memory isn't coming back right. I've had weird lapses. I don't even remember what your favorite food is.” She tried to look at him but she quickly dropped her gaze to the floor. “I must be the worst wife ever."
    Frank lifted her chin, studying her with an intensity that made her nervous. “Catherine, I'm not going to lie to you. You have really changed since you went into the hospital. There was a time that you probably were the worst wife ever? Not now.” For a moment, she thought there were tears in his eyes. “Anything you need to know, just ask. We don't need to have secrets. Not anymore."
    They started rolling the cart up the aisles. Catherine loaded it up, and Frank put a few items back. He wasn't big on fresh vegetables. She would have to work on that, but for now, there were other things they needed to discuss, other than groceries.
    "Frank, if I tell you something, will you promise not to take me back to the hospital."
    "What is it?” He raised an eyebrow. She could tell he was unwilling to make a promise he didn't want to keep.
    She tossed a can of beans into the cart. She didn't want to do this but talking about it at home would be worse. At least here he couldn't overreact. Here they could keep walking and shopping like normal people.
    "Do you think someone that hears voices in her mind is crazy?"
    He stopped walking and cocked his head to the side.