[ WP ] A machine has been invented that allows people to delete one memory of their choosing , but the machine can only be used once per person . You go to have your memory altered after a particularly emotional situation , only to find that you have already used the machine .

Waiting was the hardest part. Finally someone stepped into the room, and Tallulah stood. It was going to happen. She would never have to think about him again. He ’ d be gone from her life for good. “ I ’ m sorry. ” That wasn ’ t what she was expecting. “ According to our records you ’ ve already had a memory removed. ” 
 
 She shook her head. “ I don ’ t remember it happening. ” 
 
 “ That ’ s a part of the service. We took that from you, so you wouldn ’ t know something was gone, but this is something that can happen. ” 
 
 “ I… ” She nibbled her bottom lip, trying to find the words she needed, even though all she wanted to do was cry. “ Can you tell me anything about when my memory was removed? ” 
 
 “ No, I can ’ t, because you signed a form to protect yourself from ever finding out the truth. We have had people come in here before asking whether they ’ ve had memories removed. In your situation it ’ s different, so we can offer you counselling to deal with this, if you feel that ’ s what you need. ” 
 
 “ Right now I don ’ t know what I want. ” She did, but it was never going to happen. “ Is that a decision I need to make now? ” 
 
 “ You can take as much time as you need. We know who you are, so if you come in to ask for counselling it will be sorted out straight away. ” 
 
 “ Okay. ” Tallulah nibbled her lip again. “ I take it I should leave. ” 
 
 “ Do what you feel is right. We aren ’ t going to force you to leave. You can stay here for as long as you like, or you can leave if that ’ s what you think would be for the best. ” 
 
 As she blinked the tears away she sank onto the seat she ’ d been sitting on before she learnt the truth. “ Thank you. ” 
 
 “ Would you like someone to sit with you? ” 
 
 “ No, thank you. ” 
 
 “ There ’ s a button on the arm of the chair. Press it if you need anything at all. Food, drink, someone to talk to… ” 
 
 “ I will. ” She wouldn ’ t, but he didn ’ t need to know that. “ Thank you. ” 
 
 “ You ’ re welcome. ” 
 
 He left the room and she couldn ’ t help breathing a sigh of relief. With him gone she could let herself cry. Tears slowly trickled down Tallulah ’ s cheeks. She was going to have to live with the memory of finding the man she believed she was going to marry with her best friend. Breathing deeply, doing her best to calm down, she brushed the tears off her cheeks, focusing on what her next step was going to be. A sound made her turn towards the door and she saw someone pushing a piece of paper underneath it. For a long time she stared at it, before going over to pick it up. 
 
 ‘ *I can tell you what memory was taken. * ’ When she opened the door there was no one there. ‘ *Meet me in the park opposite here within the next hour if you want to know what it was. If you don ’ t come you won ’ t be able to out the truth. * ’
