The Memory Keeper: The Sin In Our Name

S2 Chapter 9: Pay the Piper

She laughed softly, almost mockingly. "Why would I do that, Khai? I thought we were keeping our little... incident between us."

My blood boiled at her nonchalant tone, but I forced myself to stay calm. "Listen to me, Ella. If you had anything to do with this, I swear-"

"Khai, relax," she interrupted. "I didn't say anything. But maybe you should focus on finding your girlfriend instead of calling to accuse me."

I hung up, her words leaving me more frustrated than before. With no other leads and guilt weighing heavily on my heart, I grabbed my coat. I wasn't going to stop until I found Rain. I just hoped I wasn't too late.

Hours and hours of waiting had passed, and there was still no sign of Rain. The silence from her end was deafening, and it felt like my mind was unraveling with each passing second. My hands trembled as I stared at my phone, desperate for any sign, any notification that she was okay.

Unable to take it anymore, I dialed Dad again. The line barely rang before he answered, his voice calm yet laced with concern.

"Khai? Still no sign of Rain?"

"No," I said, my voice strained. "Dad, do you have Dr. Simmons' number?"

There was a pause on the other end. "Dr. Simmons? Why do you-wait. Do you think she's with her?"

"I don't know," I admitted, pressing my fingers to my temple. "But it's a lead. Rain mentioned her a few times, and she might be the only person Rain would go to right now."

Dad sighed. "Okay, give me a second. I'll forward you her number."

"Thanks, Dad," I said, barely managing to sound grateful before ending the call.

Seconds later, my phone buzzed with a new message containing Dr. Simmons' number. I didn't hesitate. Dialing immediately, I listened to the line ring, each tone feeling like an eternity.

Finally, a soft, professional voice answered. "This is Dr. Alexandra Simmons."

"Dr. Simmons," I began, my voice shaky but firm, "this is Khai Stanton. I'm Rain's partner."

There was a beat of silence on the other end.

"Yes, Khai. I know who you are," she said evenly.

"Is Rain with you?" I asked directly, unable to hide the desperation in my voice. "Please, if she is, just tell me if she's okay."

Dr. Simmons sighed softly. "Khai, Rain is safe. But she's not ready to talk to you right now. She needs some time to process things."

"Process what?" I asked, though deep down, I already knew. My stomach churned as guilt settled in again.

"That's not for me to say," she replied calmly. "But I suggest you give her the space she needs."

"But-"

"Khai," she interrupted, her tone gentle but firm. "You love her, don't you?"

"Of course, I do!" I snapped, my voice breaking.

"Then trust me on this," she said softly. "Give her time. Forcing her to talk to you right now will only push her further away."

I clenched my fists, feeling utterly helpless. "Just...tell her I'm sorry," I said quietly before ending the call.

As I sank back into the couch, I realized I had no choice but to wait. The hours stretched on, each one more agonizing than the last. All I could do now was hope that Rain would eventually come back to me-and that I hadn't completely ruined everything.

Days turned into a blur of unanswered questions and gnawing guilt. Rain hadn't shown up at the office since the day she walked out. She'd called Jane, my assistant, to let her know she was unwell and would work remotely for the time being. It was a professional excuse, but I knew better.