I wanted to understand what to expect.

Dr.

Foster described a complicated course of recovery.

Melissa’s medical history included serious difficulties with memory, orientation, and confidence after the crash and the years of institutional care.

At some points, she recalled names.

At other times, those names carried no stable meaning.

She could recognize a familiar face without remembering the events surrounding it.

She could recall the smell of bread but not the location of the bakery.