The Almond and the Seahorse 2022

Sarah, a determined archeologist, faces a monumental challenge as she tends to her husband, Joe, who is grappling with the devastating effects of anterograde amnesia. This condition arose after a surgery to remove a benign brain tumor two years earlier. The surgery resulted in a traumatic brain injury that left him with intense short-term memory loss, unpredictable mood swings, and erratic behavior.

In another facet of life, Toni struggles with similar unpredictability in her relationship with Gwen, who awakens every morning devoid of memories from the past 15 years due to a traumatic brain injury suffered in a car accident. Once an accomplished cellist, Gwen now finds her passions stifled, her vibrant life a mere shadow of its former self. Toni, a retired architect, dedicates herself fully to supporting Gwen, but Gwen’s deteriorating memory leads to increasing distrust, culminating in her admission to Open Field TBI Hospital.

Upon reaching the hospital, Sarah encounters Dr. Falmer, who informs her of significant advancements in medical tech that have improved survival rates for TBI patients. This silent epidemic places substantial burdens on spouses and families, who must often take on caregiving roles. Clinging to hope, Sarah seeks solutions for Joe’s recovery, and Dr. Falmer suggests using memory aids to improve his independence.

In a heartfelt gesture, Sarah records a poignant audio message detailing the brain regions vital for creating new memories: the amygdala and hippocampus, which she refers to as the “almond” and “seahorse.” Unfortunately, despite her good intentions, Joe often fails to grasp the reminders, leading to feelings of frustration on both sides. Traditional memory aids, such as timers and notes, fall short in helping Joe manage daily tasks, emphasizing his dire need for constant care and supervision.

For Toni, her cello serves as a poignant reminder of Gwen’s lost past when she brings it to the hospital. However, Dr. Falmer must inform her that her visits can sometimes agitate Gwen, prompting Toni to leave abruptly.

As dire circumstances weigh heavily on her, Sarah receives advice from her sister Cath to seek therapy or join a support group. Yet, Sarah hesitates, fearing that sharing their struggles will only serve as a painful reminder of their thwarted dream of starting a family. Thus, both Sarah and Toni wrestle with profound loneliness, as their lives are forever altered by this unforeseen tragedy.

When Gwen finally plays her cello again, the notes resonate with the fragility of life and a beauty that surfaces from its depths. Meanwhile, Toni confronts her feelings of regret, ultimately deciding to end their relationship as she acknowledges the time lost. This revelation sends tremors through Gwen’s world, but in her moment of vulnerability, she finds a connection with Sarah, whose own battles with loss echo deep within her heart.

Dr. Falmer compassionately conveys a grim prognosis to Sarah: Joe’s cognitive decline is poised to erase his long-term memories. This news shocks Sarah, leaving her feeling angered and helpless, leading her to seek comfort from Gwen, who, in turn, offers wise words of encouragement to treasure every fleeting moment.

As days unspool, Sarah finds herself tangled in an intricate web of emotions, torn between the need for closure and her enduring love for Joe. In this turmoil, she seeks solace in Toni’s embrace, their passion reignited as they escape to the shore. However, the shadows of their past loom large, serving as a constant reminder that no one can fully replace those who have imprinted their hearts indelibly.

Toni’s visits with Gwen grow more frequent, an affirmation of Toni’s lasting love. Meanwhile, Sarah confides in Cath about her infidelity, pouring out her heart in a cascade of emotions as she yearns for the Joe she once cherished. Cath’s words of wisdom offer comfort, but it’s only when Sarah shares an intimate moment with Joe that the delicate fibers of their relationship begin to mend.

As years roll by, the world around them transforms. Gwen’s music continues to resonate, her cello singing beautifully in the hospital garden, surrounded by familiar faces, including Falmer, Joe, and Toni. Sarah arrives with their child, a beacon of hope and resurgence amid adversity. Though Joe may not recognize his family, he beams with joy in their presence, lost in the enigmatic fog of his memories.

As the musical concert draws to a close, Sarah and Toni raise a glass in a toast to living in the moment, recognizing that even in the darkest hours, beauty can still be found.