JP - Herbert Remembers Kiana

"It'll be okay, you're safe here." Kiana took Herbert's remaining hand.

Herbert squeezed Kiana’s hand and tried to stay calm, but the fear was still there. His confusion was vividly visible on his face and in his mind. “I’m scared…” He whispered.

"I know." It seemed like everyone was scared, Herbert, Evie… Kiana felt scared herself. "Don't worry, we'll be eating chicken nuggets and watching chick flicks again soon."

“Chicken nuggets sound nice…” He murmured, looking tired now from the medicine they injected into him for the pain.

"Yeah. Never let Gelf know how many you eat." Kiana said soothingly to Herbert.

“Why? Will I get fat?” Herbert asked.

“Gelf is kind of protective of you because you used to be… er, her farm animal/pet.” Kiana explained.

“Used to?” Herbert had that confused look on his face again. “Why am I…like this then?” He asked, looking down at his bandaged form. All his pink hair had been shaved off…in every place it could possibly grow. “And why take my arm?”

“You were a pig. I don’t know how the scientists turned you into a human, or why. I don’t understand why Thrane took your arm either. He’s a monster.” Kiana said.

“Maybe my arm was in bad shape?” Herbert asked with a shrug. “I just know when the pain meds get outta my system it hurts a lot.”

“Maybe.” Though Kiana doubted it was anything that beneficial. “There’s a meta that can regrow limbs, but I’mn ot sure if his mother will let him.”

“It's fine,” Herbert waved his hand. “I’m sure I can learn to go without it.”

“Or we can get you a robotic arm.” One of the nurses suggested.

"There's a lot of technology now…" Kiana had expected Herbert to be more upset about his missing limb.

“I wish I could remember…” Herbert said and shrugged. “It would be cool to have a robot arm, huh?”

“Yeah, it can be even stronger than a real arm.” Kiana said.

For some reason that got Herbert chuckling.” Think I’ll be able to punch bad guys or something?” He asked.

“Or lift a lot of chicken nuggets.” Kiana smiled, glad that Herbert was acting less scared.

“We could test how much I can carry if I get a robot arm.” Herbert said.

“Yeah. Maybe you can lift cars.” Kiana laughed.

“Maybe,” He replied and smiled at her.

Kiana relaxed slightly. “Do you remember anything else?”

“Like…about what?” Herbert asked.

“Anything.” Kiana said. “Sorley, Gelf, Evie, Whiskers, the Farm?”

Herbert had to release her hand as he tried to remember, pressing his to his head when pain shot through him. “I…I can’t…I don’t…all I see is time spent with you…like it was all a…dream.”

“Oh.” Kiana sighed. “Hopefully more will come back soon.”

“I hope so…” Herbert rubbed his head, blinking a few times. The pain meds were really kicking in now. He looked ready to pass out.

“You look like you need some sleep.” Kiana said.

“Mhmmm…” Herbert said and laid down on the bed, trying to get comfortable.

One of the doctors looked at Kiana. “Thank you for helping him calm down.”

Kiana nodded. “Do you know when he’ll get his memory back?”

“We’re not sure. It always depends on the person. He could remember in a few hours or a few years…” The doctor replied. “We’re going to do some scans to make sure, though. He’s been through a lot and should rest for now, at least.

“Yeah.” Kiana looked at Herbert, feeling bad for him. “I better go see my other friend.”

The doctor nodded. “We’ll keep you updated.”

“Thanks.” Kiana said and headed back to Evie’s room.