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I personally was amazed that there wasn’t more concern regarding his recovery. But after speaking to three separate doctors, I was finally convinced Bryce was going to be fine. Apparently, the seven days he was out helped heal his brain.
Our parents stayed for a few days after he was released but went back a few days ago, leaving me in charge. Sheila and I talk at least four times a day, which drives Bryce crazy. He says we’re acting like lunatics because he’s fine. In actuality, things are mostly back to normal. He’s going to work on light duty tomorrow. I still hate leaving him.
“What happens when you need help with your brace?” I point to his shoulder. “That always gives you trouble.”
“Nate can help me.”
“I can’t believe you’re making me leave.”
“You’re looking at it the wrong way. I’m sending you back to catch up for the weeks you’ve been gone. It’s important to me that you get back into a routine.”
I position myself to his uninjured side and lie on his chest. “I’m scared,” I admit.
“I know, but you’ll be back in five days. Surely I can survive.”
We stay silent for a few minutes, him running his lips along my forehead.
“My heart broke every day in that hospital that I couldn’t wake up and comfort you. The sound of devastation and fear in your voice still haunts me. Some things are hazy, but others, I’ll never forget. My parents begging me to wake up, Nate gripping my hand and telling me I had to pull through, your crying as you tried to fall asleep—all of those things.”
“What was it like?” I ask cautiously. Bryce has been very quiet about the days he was unconscious.
“It’s hard to explain. There’s a lot of time I can’t account for. It seemed like one second you would be talking to me, and the next thing I knew, Dad was reading a sports article. Everything found a way to mesh together. Some specific moments stand out.”
“Which moments?” I pry, curious.
“There are two that run through my mind constantly. One was when Liza visited. Her words are scrambled, but I’m pretty sure I heard the sound of skin slapping. Then things went dark. The next thing I know, Nate’s calling you Manny Pacquiao.”
“Oh my God! I wanted to kill her.”
“When Nate explained to me what she’d done and her justification, I closed my eyes and pictured you hitting her.”
“Have you decided what you’re going to do about her?”
“Nothing. She’s gone. New orders start tomorrow. Dani told Nate she’s gone.”
“Where?”
“Don’t know and don’t care.”
“That was really quick.”
“Navy doesn’t fuck around.”
I snuggle closer to him, soaking in his closeness and the knowledge that she’s out of our life for good.
“Tell me the second moment that runs through your head.”
“The second you slipped this ring on my finger. The metal touched my skin, and I started to wake up. The beeping became clearer, your touch became warmer, and the kiss against my hand sent a jolt of energy through me.”
“Really?”
“Oh yeah.”
“Can you remember what I said?”
“Not really. Why don’t you repeat it for me now?”
I shake my head and twist the ring on his finger. “I’m not sure if I can repeat it but know that I love you.”
