During the next exercise, I asked, “Are you angry?”
“Yes.”
The honesty surprised me.
“At me?”
“Partly.”
“For hiding it.”
“Yes.”
Dani adjusted the resistance band around my knees, though it was already flat. “And the rest?”
“At myself.”
“Why?”
“I should have noticed earlier.”
“You noticed within thirty seconds.”
“I should have built more strength before the mileage increased.”
The confession tightened her face more than anger had. I pushed my knees outward against the band, following Rose’s instructions. “Rose said this is common.”
“Common doesn’t mean inevitable.”
“You tell me bodies are unpredictable.”
“I am aware.”
“Then apply that to yourself.”
Dani’s attention stayed on me. I continued the exercise.
“You are not responsible for every discomfort I experience,” I said.
“I gave Miguel the original framework.”
“Miguel writes and approves the plan now.”
“I still feel responsible for what I recommended before the transfer.”
“I ignored the pain.”
“You shouldn’t have.”
“You’re right.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
This was no longer only about the knee. I lowered my leg.
“Because I was afraid you would stop me.”
“I did stop you.”
