Forgetting

by Wayne Mansfield

The test of any relationship is whether someone will stick around when times get tough.

Mark has middle-level Alzheimer’s. There are long periods of time he cannot account for. Often he can’t remember the names of everyday objects, or even of people. This is both unsettling and irritating. He spends a good deal of his time in a comfortable armchair by the window, looking out at the back yard.

But there is a man in the house with him. Mark doesn’t feel threatened by his presence. Just perplexed. Who is he? What is he doing there? All Mark knows is that he is handsome and has the most beautiful blue eyes he has ever seen. There are moments when he thinks he remembers who the man is, but as time marches on and the disease ravages his brain, he becomes less and less sure.

Perhaps it isn’t even a man.

19 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2020

Reviews

[Alan Wild · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was well written. Wayne did an amazing job writing from the "other" perspective. So many people choose to write about the effects that "forgetting", alzheimers or dementia has on the people interacting with the victim of this savage disease. This perspective is that of the patient. On a personal level, I was frustrated while reading this story. I have loved ones that are affected. Having a conversation with this person is so maddening. One minute they are telling a store and the next they are searching for words. This story is an eye opener. Great job Wayne.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely short and heartbreakingly sad story concerning alzheimers. Very well written but oh so sad as we see it through the confused eyes of the patient.