While Menna was sleeping in the hospital, I managed to browse her phone.
She woke up safely.
"Where am I?" she asked.
Rami smiled: "You were attacked by some guys. I stepped in, and we came to the hospital."
Menna's memory returned: "Ah, right! Thank you so much, Rami. I really owe you."
Rami: "What do you think about coffee at a café after you feel better?"
Menna: "Sure, no problem."
Menna left the hospital. Rami took her home. She thanked him a lot and said:
"Why don't we meet tomorrow at a café?"
Rami smiled: "It would be an honor."
---
Reza returned to the parking garage. He went down to check on the real Rami—the one whose identity he had stolen.
Reza: "I know I'm keeping you locked up in this room, but I'm close to getting what I want. I'll set you free soon."
Rami: "Please, Reza. Don't do something terrible and make me pay the price."
---
Reza took a car that belonged to the garage's owner—the man who raised him during his teenage years—and prepared it for the next day's date.
---
The next day
He arrived at the meeting place with the car.
"Hop in," he said.
Menna got in and asked, "When did you get this car?"
Rami: "It belongs to the man who raised me during my teenage years. He told me I could take it for my first real date with a girl," he said with a smile.
Menna blushed: "This isn't a date... understood?"
Rami smiled.
---
They entered a large and elegant café.
They sat at a table across from each other.
Menna: "It's strange. I know many of our classmates from nearby high schools. But I don't think you're from around here?"
Rami's thoughts: I can't tell you that I never even went to high school, and had to lock someone up just to get an identity. But I'll turn this in my favor.
Rami (sadly): "Yeah, I was in an orphanage."
Menna quickly apologized.
Rami: "It's okay."
Menna: "Sorry, I'm a bit curious. Are you without parents?"
Rami's thoughts: I didn't expect that question. And why do her words hit such a sensitive nerve? But I want to learn love, so I'll give you trust. If you don't accept me, I'll throw your book away.
Rami (sadly): "I have a mother and father. But they left me in an orphanage."
Menna, surprised and feeling sorry for him: "How come?"
Rami couldn't keep his cool as usual. He felt tense.
"It's a long story. I don't think it's very interesting."
Menna seemed to understand and tried to change the topic.
"Have you ever loved a girl before?" she asked with a smile.
Rami stayed silent for a moment and then said:
"I'll just grab something from the car real quick."
---
He returned quickly.
Menna smiled: "Did the question scare you? It's okay."
Rami smiled and handed her a small gift box.
Menna, surprised: "Should I open it?"
Rami (playfully): "There's something evil inside. So if you need my hand to fight it, I'm ready."
Menna laughed without meaning to: "You're very weird."
She opened the box, and suddenly she put her hand over her mouth.
"It's the novel I've been looking for, for so long! I was tricked by two guys because they claimed it was in their online shop. Thank you, Rami!"
Menna smiled and said: "I just hope you're not like the main character in this book—Joe Goldberg."
Rami smiled: "Don't worry."
Menna (teasing): "I love you."
Rami was silent for a moment—until Menna laughed and added:
"I meant I love the book! The novel is called You."
Rami smiled: "Ah, you trickster."
Menna: "Thanks!"
Rami: "That wasn't a compliment."
Menna rested her head on her hand and smiled, looking even more beautiful in Rami's eyes.
Rami's thoughts: Is this what love feels like? A painful pleasure in my chest. I forget everything about my life when I'm with her. Even my dark past doesn't come to mind. I really want this conversation to last forever.
There's still more to learn about love from you, Menna.
And I'm happy that you'll stay in my life a little longer…
Before I throw your book away.