"It appears to be temporary," the doctor reassured him, placing a steadying hand on Julian's shoulder. "Right now, your brain is protecting itself. You might find that the last few weeks, or even the last months, are a complete blank. You may also struggle to form new memories for a short while."
"How long?" Eleanor asked.
"It depends on the swelling," Dr. Moretti said. "As the fluid drains and the pressure subsides, the 'fog' should lift. It could be as short as twenty-four hours, or it could take a month or even a year. We need to keep you in a low-stress environment. No work, no excitement. We need to let your brain rest so that the memories have a path to return."
After the doctor left, the door opened and Catalina rushed in, her face full of concern. She didn't wait for an invitation; she went straight to the bed to hug him, her perfume clashing with the sterile hospital air.
