Page 30 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

The nurse smiles. "...he'll try to figure it out himself first."

Almost on cue, Jamie reaches awkwardly toward the water pitcher on the bedside table.

It's only a few inches beyond his fingertips.

He stretches a little farther.

Winces.

Stops.

The call button rests beside his hand.

He looks at it. Then away. He'd rather go thirsty.

Annette watches for another second, then quietly walks into the room.

Without a word she fills a fresh cup with ice water.

Places it gently within reach.

Jamie's eyes lift. "I could've gotten that."

"I know."

He studies her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

No lecture. No reminder. No comment about asking for help.

Just...water.

She turns toward the door. Pauses, and looks back once more.

The famous captain. The stubborn patient. The man who thanks everyone, remembers everyone's stories, and worries about everyone else's future.

Yet couldn't bring himself to press a button because it might inconvenience another human being.

She finally understands what she's been seeing all day. Jamie Walker has spent so many years taking care of everyone else...

...he honestly has no idea how to let someone take care of him.

She quietly pulls the door closed behind her.

And for the first time, she isn't thinking about the captain.

She is thinking about the man.

Chapter four

Jamie

Small Victories

The room is still dark when I wake up.

For a few seconds I don't move.