Page 142 of Encounter

This entire time, I was shell shocked—forcibly pulled out of the little pity-hole I dug myself into—but the moment it started coming together in my head, something switched inside my chest, and I couldn’t help but feel a wave of hope.

“I won’t,” I blurted out, lungs filled with a sharp inhale. “If he wants this, I will do everything and anything to keep him safe. To keep him happy.”

Richard looked at me, full of doubt and discomfort, but something told me that no matter how much he hated the idea, he made up his mind.He wasn’t as emotionless as he made himself out to be. To himself, to Galen... All his faults and hurt he caused Galen aside, he was nothing like my father, and that made me respect him. He would have never done this. Never would’ve got over his damn ego.

“You didn’t kill your wife,” I said firmly. As soon as I did, I noticed the slight twitch in his shoulders. He closed his fists and averted his gaze to hide whatever vulnerability I brought out. “And whatever you did, you did to try and protect Galen from it all... But he’s a strong kid, and all he wants is a family. Someone to love and care for him.”

“Well, just... M-Make sure you give him that.” Glancing up at me only briefly so I wouldn’t notice his glazed over eyes, Richard walked by me and dashed to his car parked behind Gregory’s.

Letting out a shaky breath, I looked at the paper in my hand.

“I will!” I hollered, seconds before I heard the car door slam close. Not breaking my gaze away from the letters on the paper, I felt the dread tying me down and making me tired for the past few days slowly lift off my chest. I was still scared and unsure—of him reacting bad, of hurting Galen even more, but now... I had a mission again. “I will...”

“And that concludesour last session,” the doctor said, clapping her hands over her thighs while I nervously shifted in my seat. “Are you excited to get out? Get back home?”

I smiled nervously. “I wouldn’t mind staying here,” I murmured, half-joking. It was relaxing to be in this quiet, calm space, where the worries of the outside world were almost nonexistent. I was separated from all my problems, the people, their judgments, and the turmoil of it all... Protected. Safe.

“I’m confident you’re in a good enough place to go out and continue living your life. You’ve made a great progress, Galen. I know it can be a little overwhelming at first, but you will settle into your lane in no time. A laneyouchoose and control this time,” she said in that calming voice I was used to. “I’ve already contacted Dr. Weller and he recommended someone suitable, Dr. Green. He’ll be a great match for you as you continue working on yourself. It will all be sent to you in a letter, and you will get a call about an appointment. Promise you’ll keep up with this, alright?” She smiled, lifting up her pinkie.

I wish I went to therapy earlier. I wish I didn't fear Dad's judgment so much and let that stop me.I glanced out the window. Birds chirped on the branches ofthe large, old tree I had been waking up to for the past few weeks. I wanted to stay, but I knew I had to go. I couldn’t stay in this cocoon forever.

“Promise,” I said, locking my finger with hers.

Satisfied, she got up while I remained in my chair. My bag was already packed, and only my phone with wireless earbuds was out on the bed. Now, the room seemed as plain as when I first entered it. Someone else was going to take my place. Someone who needed it more. “Let me put it in the system, and after that, you’re officially released!”

Nodding, I gave the doctor an assuring expression and waited to be alone before letting out a shaky sigh.

I looked down on my open palms resting on my thighs. I nearly got used to the sight of those large bandages covering my arms, and to the occasional pain that remained. I still wasn’t sure how I was going to go on with my life considering my scars, or how I would tell anyone what I did…

Frustrated, I struggled to properly bend down my pinkie, ring finger and middle finger. Unsurprisingly, I was unlucky enough to slice through that exact nerve bundle. I kept remembering the surgeon telling me that even though the sensation when putting pressure on my fingers was reduced, I was going to get better after a few months, with enough physical therapy.

He was probably right, but I couldn’t get rid of the dark cloud hanging over me every time I looked at my hands.Even if it does get better, amI going to be able to play like before?

There was no going back, but I tried to stay hopeful. Like the therapist said, it was out of my control, and a positive attitude would benefit the healing process.

Taking a deep breath, I stood and put my travel bag over my shoulder. As I carefully grabbed the phone with my better hand, I did my best to leave any bad thoughts in that room. I couldn’t afford to bring them home with me. It was going to be hard to keep going without the peace and quiet and support I got here, but I wanted to try...

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