Flash fiction for 9/4/15 Prompt

Andrew looked outside from the backseat window as they approached the courthouse. The FBI kept him in a safe house for the last three months. Eighteen months of reconstructive surgeries, physical and mental therapies gave him a new face and a new outlook.

He had a life, so he was told. His wife with their toddler swept away and kept separated from him. He had a career as a manager of a local bank. But look at him now. He shook his head and pursed his lips. “I don’t see them.”

“You will, it’s been a long time, we’re almost at the end of this. We’ve done our part.” Agent Callen put his hand on Andrew’s shoulder. “Your family has been kept safe, no one knew what they looked like.”

Andrew looked down at the photo in his hand and scanned the crowd for a matching face. His frustration and disappointment mounting.

“She probably didn’t bring your daughter. Let’s get inside and see if she already found a seat.”

“Have you spoken to her? Do you know if she will come? Is it safe? Damn it my head hurts. I’m not ready for this.”

“Andrew we’ve prepared for this day for over a year now. You knew this day would come.”

“Does Sarah even know what I look like now? Did anyone show her a picture? I…I’m not the same man she married.” He dropped his head and sighed. Hypnotherapy brought back some of his memories, but only of the robbery. He still didn’t remember growing up, going to college, meeting his wife or getting married.

The photo in his hand showed a beautiful woman holding an infant on her hips. Again he looked out the window searching the crowds that massed. “I don’t remember anything.”


300 words