### **Chapter 3: "A Stormy Night"**

### **Chapter 3: "A Stormy Night"**

**(Scene: The storm outside intensifies, with thunder rumbling ominously in the distance. Edward and Alice stand by the large window in Edward's office, watching as the rain begins to pour down in torrents. Edward's usual anxiety during storms starts to creep in, and he unconsciously grips the small spaceship model on his desk a little tighter.)**

**Alice:** *(Noticing his tension, her tone softening as she glances over at him)* "Does the rain bother you, Mr. Sinclair?"

**Edward:** *(Trying to brush it off, but his voice betrays his unease)* "It's… nothing. Just a little distracting, that's all."

**Alice:** *(Gently, not pushing but clearly concerned)* "You seem more than just distracted. Is there something about the rain that… I don't know, troubles you?"

**Edward:** *(Pausing, then sighing as he decides to open up a little)* "It's complicated. The rain… it messes with my memory. Sometimes, when it rains, I forget things. Important things."

**Alice:** *(Her eyes widening slightly, a mix of curiosity and concern in her voice)* "Forget things? Like what?"

**Edward:** *(Struggling to explain, his voice lowering)* "Mostly… people. Women, to be specific. It's like… they just vanish from my mind until the rain stops. It's been happening for years. No one knows why."

**Alice:** *(Inwardly realizing the connection to her presence the night before, but outwardly playing it cool)* "That sounds… difficult. No wonder you seem tense."

**(There's a moment of silence as Alice absorbs this information, her heart aching for him. She wants to help, but she's still figuring out how. Edward finally tears his gaze away from the window and looks at her, his expression softer than before.)**

**Edward:** *(Sincerely)* "But tonight… you being here, it's helping. I don't know why, but I feel… calmer."

**Alice:** *(Smiling gently, feeling a warmth spread in her chest)* "I'm glad I could help, even if it's just a little."

**(The sound of the rain hitting the window grows louder, and Edward takes a deep breath, trying to keep his focus. He's starting to feel the effects of the rain—his thoughts are getting muddled, and it's harder to hold onto the present. Alice notices this and steps closer to him, her voice filled with concern.)**

**Alice:** *(Softly)* "Edward… are you okay?"

**Edward:** *(His voice strained, fighting to stay grounded)* "It's happening again… I can feel it. I'm starting to forget…"

**Alice:** *(Gently taking his hand, trying to anchor him in the moment)* "I'm here, Edward. Focus on me. Don't let it take over."

**Edward:** *(Looking at her, trying to concentrate on her face, her voice, anything to keep him from slipping away)* "Alice…"

**Alice:** *(Nodding encouragingly, squeezing his hand)* "Yes, that's right. Stay with me, Edward. Just focus on me."

**(Edward holds onto her gaze, using her as his lifeline. The storm rages on, but for a moment, it feels like they're the only two people in the world. Alice's heart races as she realizes just how much she wants to protect him, to keep him from feeling this way ever again.)**

**Edward:** *(His voice barely a whisper, struggling against the fog in his mind)* "Don't… don't let me forget you, Alice."

**Alice:** *(With fierce determination, her voice steady and strong)* "I won't. I promise."

**(Edward blinks, his grip on her hand tightening as he fights against the effects of the rain. But then, a sudden flash of lightning and a loud crash of thunder break the moment, and Edward's eyes lose focus. Alice watches in horror as the clarity in his gaze fades away.)**

**Alice:** *(Desperately, shaking his hand as if to wake him up)* "Edward! Stay with me!"

**Edward:** *(His voice distant, almost hollow)* "Who… are you?"

**Alice:** *(Her heart sinking, tears welling up in her eyes)* "It's me, Alice. You know me, Edward. Please, don't forget…"

**(But it's too late. The rain has taken its toll, and Edward's mind has slipped into that all-too-familiar void. He releases her hand, stepping back as if she's a stranger.)**

**Edward:** *(Coldly, with no recognition in his eyes)* "I think you should leave."

**Alice:** *(Her voice breaking, but trying to hold it together)* "Edward, please…"

**Edward:** *(Turning away, shutting himself off from her completely)* "I don't know who you are, and I don't want you here. Go."

**(Alice feels a deep, crushing sadness as she realizes there's nothing more she can do tonight. She nods, tears slipping down her cheeks, and slowly backs away from him.)**

**Alice:** *(Whispering, more to herself than to him)* "I'll be back. I won't let you go through this alone."

**(With that, she turns and leaves the apartment, stepping out into the storm. The rain pours down on her, but she barely notices as she walks away, her heart heavy with sorrow and determination. She knows she needs to find a way to help him—to break this cycle and bring him back to her. And she won't stop until she does.)**

**(Scene: Alice walks through the rain, the cold droplets soaking her to the bone. Each step feels heavier than the last, and the world around her blurs as tears mingle with the rain.)**

**Alice:** *(Muttering to herself, her voice strained)* "How can I help him? He's so lost, and I can't just let him slip away like that."

**(She finds herself standing in front of a small café, its warm light glowing invitingly against the dark, stormy backdrop. With a heavy heart, she steps inside, seeking refuge from the storm.)**

**(The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and Alice takes a deep breath, grounding herself for a moment. She scans the room, noting the familiar faces of regular customers, each lost in their own world.)**

**Barista:** *(Cheerful, despite the weather)* "Hey, Alice! What can I get you?"

**Alice:** *(Forcing a smile, trying to shake off the sorrow)* "Just a hot chocolate, please."

**(As the barista prepares her drink, Alice leans against the counter, lost in thought. She can't shake the feeling of helplessness. Edward is in turmoil, and she's just a stranger in his life. She can't let it end like this.)**

**Barista:** *(Handing over the steaming cup, concern evident in her voice)* "You okay? You look a little… upset."

**Alice:** *(Taking the cup, grateful for the warmth)* "I'm fine, just… dealing with some stuff."

**Barista:** *(Nodding sympathetically)* "Storms can bring out the worst in people. If you need to talk, I'm here."

**Alice:** *(Appreciating the offer, but shaking her head)* "Thank you, but I really need to figure this out on my own."

**(She takes a seat by the window, watching the rain cascade down the glass. The storm outside mirrors her internal struggle—chaotic and overwhelming. With each sip of her hot chocolate, she tries to gather her thoughts.)**

**Alice:** *(To herself, determined)* "I have to find a way to help him. I can't let him keep forgetting me. There has to be something I can do."

**(She pulls out her phone, scrolling through various articles about memory loss, trauma, and coping mechanisms. Her mind races with possibilities. Maybe there are techniques or approaches she can try to ground him when the storm hits.)**

**Alice:** *(Muttering as she reads)* "Meditation, breathing exercises… maybe even music therapy? There has to be a way to anchor him to reality."

**(Suddenly, a memory flashes in her mind—Edward had mentioned he loved classical music. A small spark of hope ignites within her.)**

**Alice:** *(Resolutely)* "Yes! I'll create a playlist of his favorite pieces. Music has to have some power over those memories, right?"

**(With newfound determination, Alice finishes her drink and stands up. She knows what she needs to do. She'll go home, create the playlist, and then return to Edward's apartment with a plan.)**

**(Scene: Later that night, Alice is back in her small apartment, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she researches Edward's favorite composers and pieces. The glow of the screen illuminates her face as she builds a playlist on a streaming service.)**

**Alice:** *(Talking to herself as she works)* "Beethoven, Mozart… maybe even some Chopin. I'll make it a mix of calming and uplifting pieces. Something to soothe him and remind him of who he is."

**(As she curates the playlist, Alice can't help but think about Edward—his charming smile, the way he carried himself with quiet confidence, and the vulnerability he had shown her. She wants to bring him back to that person.)**

**Alice:** *(Determined, with a small smile)* "I won't let you slip away, Edward. You're not alone in this."

**(After finishing the playlist, she sits back and stares at the screen, the rain still audible through her apartment window. The storm has begun to subside, leaving behind a gentle drizzle. Alice takes a deep breath, feeling a glimmer of hope that her plan might work.)**

**Alice:** *(Quietly, as if speaking directly to Edward even though he isn't there)* "This is just the beginning. I'll fight for you, no matter what it takes."

**(She glances at the clock. It's late, but she knows she can't wait until morning. With the storm calming, she hopes Edward's mind might be clearer, more receptive. She grabs her coat and headphones, downloading the playlist to her phone before heading out into the damp night.)**

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**(Scene: Edward's apartment. The city lights cast a soft glow through the window as the rain slows to a drizzle. Edward sits on the edge of his couch, his head in his hands. The storm's effects linger, leaving his mind foggy and his emotions raw. He stares at the spaceship model on the table, feeling a pang of emptiness but unable to pinpoint why.)**

**Edward:** *(To himself, frustrated)* "Why does it feel like I've lost something… someone? But I don't even know who."

**(A knock at the door startles him. He hesitates, unsure of who it could be so late at night. Slowly, he stands and walks to the door, opening it to find Alice standing there, her coat damp from the rain. She looks at him with a mix of determination and vulnerability, holding up her phone like a peace offering.)**

**Edward:** *(Frowning slightly, his tone cautious)* "You… what are you doing here?"

**Alice:** *(Taking a deep breath, her voice steady)* "I couldn't leave things the way they were. I know you don't remember me right now, but I want to help. Can I come in?"

**(Edward hesitates, his mind conflicted. There's something familiar about her, something that tugs at the edges of his consciousness, but he can't place it. Finally, he steps aside and lets her in.)**

**Edward:** *(Still guarded)* "Alright. But make it quick. I'm… not in the mood for company."

**Alice:** *(Nodding, stepping inside and pulling off her damp coat)* "I understand. I won't take much of your time."

**(She sets her phone on the coffee table and pulls out the headphones. Edward watches her curiously, his arms crossed as he leans against the back of the couch.)**

**Edward:** *(Raising an eyebrow)* "What's this?"

**Alice:** *(Smiling softly, plugging in the headphones and holding them out to him)* "Music. You told me once that you love classical music. I made a playlist for you. Just… trust me and listen."

**Edward:** *(Eyeing her skeptically but reluctantly taking the headphones)* "I don't remember telling you that."

**Alice:** *(Her smile falters slightly, but she remains hopeful)* "I know. But you did. Please, just try."

**(Edward sighs and puts the headphones on. Alice presses play, and the soft strains of Beethoven's *Moonlight Sonata* fill his ears. He closes his eyes, the music washing over him like a gentle tide. For a moment, the fog in his mind seems to lift, and he feels a sense of peace he hasn't felt in years.)**

**Alice:** *(Watching him closely, her heart racing as she hopes the music will reach him)* "How does it feel?"

**Edward:** *(Opening his eyes, his voice quieter, more introspective)* "It's… familiar. Comforting. Like I've been here before, but I don't know when or how."

**Alice:** *(Encouraged, sitting down beside him)* "That's a start. Music has a way of connecting us to memories, to emotions we can't always explain. I thought maybe it could help you, even if just a little."

**Edward:** *(Looking at her, his expression softening)* "Why are you doing this? Why do you care so much?"

**Alice:** *(Meeting his gaze, her voice filled with sincerity)* "Because you're worth it. I see the person you are, Edward—the one who works so hard, who hides his pain behind that polished exterior. I don't want you to feel like you have to go through this alone."

**(Edward is silent, her words resonating with him in a way he doesn't fully understand. He feels a pull toward her, a sense of safety and familiarity that defies explanation. For the first time in a long time, he allows himself to trust someone.)**

**Edward:** *(Nodding slowly, his voice barely above a whisper)* "Thank you, Alice."

**(They sit together in the quiet, the music filling the space between them. Outside, the rain finally stops, leaving the city washed clean and glistening under the streetlights. For Edward, it feels like a small step toward clarity, and for Alice, it's the beginning of her mission to help him heal.)**

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**(Scene: Later that night, Alice leaves Edward's apartment, her heart lighter than before. As she walks home, she feels a sense of hope—like they've turned a corner, no matter how small. She knows there's still a long road ahead, but she's ready to face it, one step at a time.)**

**Alice:** *(To herself, smiling up at the clear sky)* "You won't forget me, Edward. I'll make sure of it."

**(The chapter ends with Alice walking down the quiet street, the stars peeking out from behind the clouds as the city sleeps. In Edward's apartment, he sits by the window, listening to the playlist she left behind, a faint smile playing on his lips as the memory of her voice lingers in his mind.)**

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