year

nt off at f

forcing myself out of bed. My body protested immediately, every muscle ac

y appointments, insurance calls, and hospital visits. Weeks

walked down the hallway, stopping outside

he door op

ains, landing across Ethan's face. He looked almost peaceful, if you ignored the hospital bed that ha

softly. His eyes s

was

ed every room with laughter. No

monitor out of habit before lo

gen saturation acceptable." I whispered to mys

aside, I rolled up my sleeves and got

d eventually cause pressure injuries. I counted softly under my breath as I adjusted hi

His breathing r

lly bent and straightened each joint, moving his arms and

Now I just focused on making sure I didn't hurt him. "I

st people would've dismissed it

kno

After helping him through the rest of his morning care, I admi

day," I told him while t

ll stay with you

d on mine. "I

t, I ho

-

appened. The building came into view long before I reached the parking lo

sat there for another minute.

her I was convinci

greeted me the moment I stepped inside. It was strange how a place could

night, but I forced them away and kept walking. I checked in w

orning,

rni

om everyone ever since I came back to work after Ethan's accident

sy

orcing a small smile. He chuc

ctice. You'll be helping wi

d of pucks slamming against the boards echoed faintly throug

ed on. I wasn

fresh towels, disinfecting the examination table, and arranging

ally ca

bottle of disinfectant. I'd r

n standing in the doorway. He looked

r, m

of his jaw. His practice jersey clung to his broad shoulders, damp with swe

of us spoke. "I heard abo

snapped. "You don't

ened, but he

at right thr

en

"I don't need explanations or apologies. Nothin

t mine. "I wasn't

ed me. Typical. "Of

to ask how

me off guard, but it

ill trapped in a hospital bed because of what ha

briefest moment before looking b

sarcastic. If anything, they

Arthur lo

ts you in

e," he replie

picked up his stick before looking at

s my chest."You have n

nstead, he gave a small nod and walked away. I didn't realize I

s were

s voice was enough to reopen wounds that had never truly healed. A knock on the open door

today's schedule." I acc

led in sick, so I'm moving

t's

pped open the file. Shoulder impingement. Rehabilitation after

r Pea

has to be so

was flat. He frowned, clear

ion specialist, and he specifically

le in my hands. "H

r. You're the best fit." Before I could protest,

" the receptionist called. "Mr. Pe

r three years, I'd managed to avoid being alone with the man I blamed for

room. Then Arthur's calm voice ca

comin