As they stepped out of the precinct, the wild weather greeted them with gusts of wind and bursts of thunder. Graves, dressed in the same clothes he had worn upon arriving at the station, shivered in the cold. Jessica instructed him to wait at the gates while she drove the car to his location.

  When Graves heard the horn, he took a step back and stared at the car with confusion, as if he had never seen one before. Jessica rolled down the window and shouted, "Get in!" But Graves remained still, unsure of what to do. Understanding the situation, Jessica parked the car and turned off the engine. She got out and ran over to Graves, taking his hand and leading him to the right door of the car. "Get in before we catch a cold," she said, opening the door for him.

  Graves complied and climbed into the vehicle, and Jessica closed the door behind him before getting back into the driver's seat and rolling up the window. She turned to him with a smile and said, "It's supposed to be the men who do that.

  Graves stared at Jessica, confusion etched on his face. "Do what?" he asked, feeling lost.

  Jessica glanced at him, a hint of annoyance flashing in her eyes. "Forget it," she said dismissively before turning her attention back to the road and driving towards her home.

  As they drove through the city, Graves couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and confusion as he took in all the sights and sounds of the unfamiliar world around him. Every building, every person, and every car seemed strange and foreign to him, and he knew that it would be a long journey to adjust to life in this new society. Jessica watched him with a mixture of fascination and concern, sensing that there was something special and unique about Graves, even as she remained unsure of what exactly that might be. Despite her curiosity, she knew that she had to take things slowly and not rush him, as he was still adjusting to life outside of prison and trying to come to terms with his own amnesia. She resolved to be patient and support him as he navigated this difficult time, determined to help him find his way back to the person he used to be.

  As Jessica pulled her car into her driveway, she turned to Graves and announced, "We're here!"

  Graves looked out at the modest house, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "You live here?" he asked, his tone unintentionally rude.

  Jessica couldn't help but roll her eyes. She knew Graves didn't mean anything by it, but he really needed to work on his delivery and facial expressions. Still, she let it slide. "Yes, I live here," she replied patiently.

  As Jessica stepped out of the car and started walking towards her house, she noticed that Graves wasn't following her. She turned around to see that he was still inside the car, fiddling with the door handle. She chuckled to herself and walked over to his side of the car. Reaching out, she grabbed the small plastic tab on the door hinge and gently pulled it open. "Look, that will be your first lesson," she said with a smile. "Just catch this little plastic tab and pull it slowly to open the door."

  Graves nodded silently, finally managing to exit the car. Jessica closed the door behind him and gestured for him to follow her. "Come on," she said. "Let's go inside."

  Jessica and Graves made their way to the house, with Jessica unlocking the door and leading the way inside. As they entered, Graves couldn't help but stare in amazement at his surroundings. Everything was new and unfamiliar to him, from the walls and lamps to the electrical plugs and appliances. He felt like a newborn, seeing the world for the first time, but with the body of a grown man.

  Feeling anxious about his situation, Graves turned to Jessica and spoke up. "Look, I know this is all very strange," he said, gesturing around the house. "But if you need me to do anything, you'll have to teach me. I don't know how to do anything here."

  Jessica smiled reassuringly at Graves. "Don't worry," she said. "I believe you and I trust you. I understand your condition, and I know you're telling the truth."

  "However, allow me to assure you," replied Graves, his determination evident in his countenance, "that I am a person of great aptitude and quickness in acquiring new knowledge and skills."

  "I have no doubt about that," Jessica said with a smile. "Now, let's get you cleaned up. Come with me and I'll show you how to take a shower."

  Graves hesitated for a moment, looking down at his prison jumpsuit. "Umm," he mumbled, feeling a bit self-conscious.

  Jessica took his hand and gently led him towards the bathroom. "Come on," she said. "I'll show you what showering is all about."

  Jessica's house was small, but cosy and well-appointed. It had two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, one for guests and one for her personal use. The kitchen was small but well-equipped, and the living room was the true centrepiece of the home. It was a large and open space, filled with comfortable couches in various sizes, including two big ones and three smaller ones that could only seat one person. The floor was covered in red-coloured, intricately designed carpets, and the walls were adorned with paintings dating back to the 10th century. In the corner of the room sat a small chiminea, adding a touch of warmth and ambiance to the space. Overall, it was a welcoming and inviting area, perfect for relaxing and entertaining guests.

  Jessica led Graves into the bathroom, but the two of them remained silent, standing awkwardly at the threshold. Jessica couldn't help but wonder if Graves had ever taken a shower before. She didn't want to embarrass him by asking, but she couldn't be sure unless she inquired. So, after a moment's hesitation, she turned to him and asked, "Have you taken a shower before?"

  Graves looked at her quizzically. "Here?" he asked, gesturing around the bathroom.

  "I mean, have you ever used a bathtub before?" Jessica clarified, gesturing towards the large tub in the corner.

  Graves looked at the tub, a confused expression on his face. It was clear that he had no idea what it was for. Jessica chuckled and pointed to it. "We call that a bathtub," she explained. "And this iron switch allows the water to flow from the spout. I'll be outside if you need anything." With that, she left the bathroom, leaving Graves to figure out the rest on his own.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  As Jessica closed the door behind Graves, he was left alone in the bathroom. He approached the mirror, staring at himself for a moment before muttering, "Where the deuce have I landed myself??" Shaking his head, he turned his attention to the bathtub. He approached it, examining the water tap and fiddling with it until he managed to get the water flowing. However, he was unaware that he could adjust the temperature of the water, so he assumed that it was customary to shower in cold water. He shivered through the freezing shower, the water doing nothing to alleviate the chill in the air.

  After ten minutes, Jessica knocked on the door. "Are you still alive in there?" she called out.

  "Yes, I'm done!" Graves replied, his teeth chattering.

  "Then come out," Jessica said. "What are you waiting for?"

  "I...I need something to wear," Graves said, feeling embarrassed.

  "Oh, hold on," Jessica said. "I'll slightly open the door and pass you some clothes."

  Graves approached the door, taking the towel and clothes that Jessica had passed to him. "Get dressed," she told him. "I'll be preparing dinner."

  Graves didn't reply, simply taking the clothes and closing the door behind him as he went to get dressed.

  As Jessica set to work preparing dinner in the kitchen, the smell of the food wafted through the house, tantalising Graves's senses. He had just finished getting dressed and made his way to the kitchen, standing at the doorway and watching as Jessica expertly cooked a steak and some appetisers. As he looked around the kitchen, he couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion. He didn't recognize any of the objects, save for the chairs, knives, dinner table, and the fire under the stove.

  Jessica noticed him standing there and glanced over at him. "You look clean!" she said, smiling.

  "Thank you," Graves replied, feeling a bit self-conscious.

  "Use a brush on your hair," Jessica said, gesturing towards Graves's messy locks.

  "I will, after you teach me," Graves replied with a chuckle.

  "What's for dinner?" Graves asked, his stomach rumbling.

  "Oh, I'm making a steak," Jessica replied. "Do you like it?"

  Graves looked at the steak sizzling on the stove and nodded. "Yes, I love meat," he said.

  "That's great!" Jessica exclaimed. "You're in for the best meal of your life!"

  "There can be no doubt," Graves replied, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Do you need any help?"

  "I'd love the help, but I've already finished," Jessica said. "Have a seat and I'll serve it up."

  Graves approached the table and took a seat on one of the chairs. Jessica placed the plates and food on the table and served both of them generous portions of steak and potatoes. Graves looked at his plate, noting the utensils laid out beside it. He didn't know which one was used for what, so he sneaked a peek at Jessica to see how she was using them. She noticed and began eating in a way that would teach him, without making it obvious that she was doing so.

  Graves followed her example, and soon he was able to eat his meal with ease.

  After a few minutes of silence, Jessica broke it with a question. "How are you feeling?" she asked.

  "I'm good," Graves replied, taking another bite of his steak.

  Do you feel good in my place?" Jessica asked, noting the contented look on Graves's face.

  Graves chuckled. "It's still better than prison," he replied.

  "Do you drink?" Jessica asked, curious.

  "Wine, you mean?" Graves replied. "I might have a glass of it, but I'm not much of a drinker. I prefer water."

  Jessica was a bit surprised by this answer. When they had first found Graves on the street, surrounded by empty cans, they had assumed he was a heavy drinker. But now it seemed that wasn't the case. "I know you can't remember much," Jessica said, "but I have one question. What is the last thing you can remember? Before you found yourself in prison, I mean. Where were you?"

  Graves looked down at the table, deep in thought as he tried to recall any memory that might help shed light on his past. After a few moments of silence, he closed his eyes and said " I regret to inform you that I am unable to retrieve any memories,' he said, his voice low.’ However, there is one memory that persists in my mind. I recall being in a location thickly wooded, possibly a mountain. I was fleeing from something, yet I am unable to recall the cause of my flight.'

  Jessica looked at Graves, a puzzled expression on her face. "You're saying that you were somewhere in nature," she said. "But how did you end up on the streets? How did you lose consciousness? Were you aware of your condition when people were passing by, thinking you were a dead man?"

  "It seems that you know better than me," Graves replied, shaking his head.

  "I just want to help you," Jessica said, her voice laced with concern.

  "I know, and I'm so grateful for your hospitality," Graves replied.

  "Well, I say, before we help you learn more about yourself," Jessica said, "let's try to fix the fact that you can't seem to manage to live alone in this place." She gestured towards the microwave. "For example, what is that?"

  Graves looked at the microwave with a mixture of confusion and curiosity, then turned his gaze back to Jessica with a silent question written on his face. What is that?

  Jessica turned to look at the appliance in answer. "We call it a microwave," she said. "In 30 seconds, it can heat up your food."

  Nice," Graves said, eyeing the microwave with a hint of amusement. "It should be called the magic box."

  They both chuckled at the joke. "Pray tell, have you had the occasion to deal with a case of this nature previously?" Graves questioned.

  Jessica shook her head. "I can assure you that no one has ever faced a case like yours," she said.

  "How can you be so sure?" Graves asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

  "I could have found something on the internet," Jessica replied.

  At the mention of the internet, Graves looked at her as if he had no idea what she was talking about. Jessica noticed his confusion and explained.

  "The internet is a vast network that connects computers worldwide. People can share information and communicate from anywhere with an internet connection."

  "Do you know how many questions I have from just that one sentence?" Graves said with a smile.

  "I saw that," Jessica said with a sympathetic nod. "But don't worry, I'll teach and help you remember everything. It will be a long road, but no one will give up."

  Graves looked at her, his expression serious. "Why are you doing this?" he asked.

  "It's my job to help people," Jessica replied simply. "Besides, it's unethical to keep you in prison. You didn't commit any crime and you don't pose any kind of danger. Keeping you here is the least I can do.

  As Graves asked her why she was doing all this for him, Jessica felt a flash of annoyance. She tried to push it down and replied calmly, but couldn't completely hide her emotions. Graves didn't seem to notice, but Jessica found that she had lost her appetite. She stood up from the table and placed her plate in the sink, saying, "I'm going to sleep. I've prepared a room for you; it's the second one on the top. I'll keep the door open, just knock on the other room's door if you need anything."

  "Thank you for everything," Graves said sincerely.

  Jessica didn't reply, but simply nodded and headed to her own room. She closed the door behind her and took a moment to sit on the edge of her bed, trying to process her emotions. She couldn't understand why Graves' questions sometimes left her feeling agitated, but she didn't want to overthink it. She changed into her pyjamas and settled into bed, hoping for a peaceful night's sleep.

  Graves remained in the kitchen, lost in thought about his situation. He had come to terms with the fact that he couldn't remember anything, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it than that. He stared out the window at the rain, his mind racing. Eventually, he noticed that the food was still on the table and decided to clean up the kitchen. He gathered all the dishes and utensils and placed them in the sink, including the pot of food that was still full. He was trying to mimic Jessica's style of cleaning up, though he wasn't sure if he was doing it right. He stood in the kitchen, lost in thought and unsure of what to do next.

  As Graves walked through the living room, he couldn't help but be drawn to the paintings on the wall. He examined each one carefully, trying to make sense of the scenes they depicted. The first painting showed two white horses standing face to face, with a burning tree in the centre. The second painting depicted a group of middle-aged men gathered around several tables, some drinking and arguing, others smiling and chatting. The third painting showed a chaotic battle, with people and horses fighting with swords and axes in a circle. In the centre of the ring, two men were locked in a fierce duel. Each painting seemed to tell a story, and Graves couldn't help but wonder what they all meant.

  As Graves stood in front of the paintings, one by one capturing his attention, it was clear that he had a love for art. But it wasn't until he turned around and saw his own reflection in the large living room mirror that he was truly struck. It was the first time he had seen his entire body all at once, and the shock was palpable on his face as he hesitated, thinking there was someone else in the room with him. But as he approached the mirror slowly, staring at his own reflection as if it were a statue to be studied, he began to realise that it was just his own reflection.