“Running?”
“Under a revised plan.”
“Race?”
Rose did not answer.
“That is her information.”
The boundary hurt. It was also correct. I accepted it.
“Thank you.”
Rose returned to the exercise chart.
“Your knee looks good. The twenty-mile run can proceed with the reduced pace plan.”
“You believe I am ready?”
“Yes. Medically and in the plan.”
I exhaled. Rose studied me.
“Do you want the run?”
“I want to know what happens after eighteen.”
It echoed the six-mile decision. Curiosity. Choice.
“Good,” Rose said.
“Will you be there?”
“At the medical support point.”
“Not as Dani’s friend.”
“As your provider.”
“Thank you.”
At the door, I stopped.
“Do you believe people can rebuild trust after something like this?”
Rose looked down at the tablet.
“Yes.”
Hope rose. She continued.
“That does not mean they should. Or that they will.”
Hope adjusted.
“Useful,” I said.
“Honest.”
