Page 253 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Close the door.

Some memories hurt too much to leave sitting on the counter.

Mom calls just after seven.

"Have you eaten?"

I smile despite myself.

"Hello to you too."

"I asked a perfectly reasonable question."

"I had a salad."

"A real salad?"

"Mom."

"That means no."

I laugh. The sound surprises both of us. There's a long pause.

Then, very softly...

"How's your heart?"

The laughter disappears. I look out the apartment window as the sun settles behind the mountains. "I made the right decision."

"I didn't ask about your decision."

Another pause. "I asked about your heart."

I close my eyes.

For the first time since leaving Briar Cove...

I don't trust myself to answer.

***

Week Two…

The spinal rehabilitation unit begins to feel familiar.

Not easy.

Never easy.

But familiar.

Every patient arrives carrying a different version of the same question.

Will my life ever feel normal again?

I don't have answers, only encouragement.

One small goal.