Page 121 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I look over.

"...that's part of what we're recovering. Not your shoulder. Not your ribs. You.”

The words land somewhere deep inside me. Because for the first time,

recovery sounds like it might mean more than getting back on the ice.

We stop beside her car. She unlocks it but doesn't open the door.

"I'll see you Monday."

I smile. "I'll be here."

"I know you will."

She hesitates. Then points one finger at me. "Stretching."

"Yes, ma'am."

"And no helping anyone carry refrigerators."

"I'll do my best."

She raises one eyebrow. "Jamie." I grin. "I'll do exactly what you told me."

"Better answer."

She opens the door, then pauses. "Oh...and Captain?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm proud of you."

Before I can think of a quick comeback, she's already climbing into her car.

A moment later she's gone.

***

My cabin is quiet when I get home.

Moose ambles over from his bed, stretches dramatically, then decides greeting me requires exactly three enthusiastic tail wags before returning to his nap.

"Good to see you too."

I shrug off my coat and set the notebook on the kitchen table.

The pages have become familiar now, less like homework, and more like a conversation with myself.

I write today's date.

Then...

Today's Win Another eight degrees.

I smile.

Not bad.