Reborn From Oblivion

She was doing all sorts of quirky shadow dances in the sun, humming off-key tunes as she swayed.

"Sweet baby-

Oh, sweet baby

Run wild like a Mustang and be free

Shake off the sadness and all your scars, too..."

Cameron watched Nellie's antics with a hint of confusion. This wasn't the Nellie he knew.

He stepped out of his car and walked straight toward her. The trouble she'd caused him made it hard for him to put on a friendly face.

"Nel, who let you out here on your own? Your wounds aren't even healed yet," he scolded.

Spotting Cameron, Nellie jumped back a meter away. Her frightened look and wary eyes gave Cameron a sinking feeling.

"Who are you?" Nellie asked, hugging herself, her voice small and unsure.

"I'm your husband," Cameron replied, clearly irritated.

Nellie looked unconvinced and turned to dash into the nearby skull sign shop.

Cameron followed her with long strides.

Inside, Nellie hid behind the hypnotist named Almos, peeking at Cameron with fear in her eyes.

Cameron could see that Nellie seemed to have forgotten him. His gaze turned sharp and accusing as he looked at Almos. "What did you do to my wife?" he demanded, his voice cold and sharp.

At that moment, Cameron could only think Almos must have used some kind of drug on Nellie or done something to harm her, causing her mental confusion.

Almos tossed a contract at Cameron. "Your wife contacted me two months ago, insisting on a session. She wanted to be hypnotized."

It was only then that Cameron noticed Almos's badge and realized he was the globally acclaimed, mythical hypnotist.

But why would Nellie want hypnosis? If she had been feeling off, she could've told him. Was there really nothing he could do to help? Cameron opened the detailed contract Nellie had signed, noting the clear breakdown of fees and services-fair and square.

As he read the services Nellie had requested, a storm brewed inside him.

The first request: Help Nellie forget her birth, her father, and that she had a sister.

The second request: Help Nellie forget she was married. Erase all traces of Cameron from her life.

The third request: Help Nellie forget the pain of her kidney transplant.

...

The last request: Most importantly, Nellie, learn to love yourself.

Cameron's tall, imposing figure trembled, his usually composed eyes filled with disbelief.

He stared at Almos, incredulous. "This has to be fake, right? Nellie wouldn't do this."

Almos calmly explained, "Initially, she only wanted to erase her memories of you. But when she saw my affordable rates, she added a few more things. We agreed verbally-I'd help her forget her past life, and she'd pay me with all her wealth." "In other words, Nellie now has no memory and no money. Do you still want her? Nellie said if you don't want her anymore, I should take her to the Rainbow Bridge."

The mention of 'Rainbow Bridge' made Cameron's tall, steady frame shake, his handsome face showing cracks.

His rationality slowly returned, and he suddenly remembered how, during these past three months, Nellie was always fast asleep every time he visited her in the hospital. Without thinking much of it, he'd then head over to Greta's room to chat.