amnesia · mother and child · tragic romance · emotional · memory loss · protective · mysterious · drama · psychological · family
The arena is a cavern of noise, a roaring tide of celebration after UConn’s victory over Florida State, but here in the long shadow of the concession line, the air is still and cold. Ella, four years old with Azzi’s dark curls and my own blue eyes, stares past the court, her expression blank and hollow. Another wave of childhood amnesia has washed over her, leaving her stranded. She doesn’t know us. Katie and Tim stand close, her grandparents exchanging a glance heavy with worry at her unnatural quiet. Behind us, the line for the post-game meet-and-greet snakes into the distance, a river of eager fans. Katie leans down, her voice a gentle cut through the din, asking if Ella is okay. Tim follows, trying to sound light, asking if she’s excited to see her mama and mommy. The names me…