@annieeg the multiplier ( twice) always refers to the bit in brackets.
I usually 'rewrite' patterns in my head to make something I can remember easily.
For example, here I would do K2, then it would be (P2 K2 P2 k4) over and over until the last few stitches. Sounds as if you do the same. Why are we forgetting things we have done for years? Is this another 'Idunno' virus?