Page 89 of All Along

“Physical therapy to recover from an injury.”

“And once I’m recovered enough, I’ll go in front of the medical evaluation board to get reinstated to active duty.”

“You’re serious?”

“What do you think? My life is a fucking joke?”

She holds up her hands. “I know it’s not.” She blows out a breath before dragging a chair over and sitting across from me.

“I thought the Army already honorably discharged you.”

I shake my head. “Nope.”

“But you’re not in a medical retention processing unit.” An MRPU is where soldiers usually recover from their injuries. But most civilians don’t know what an MRPU is. I raise my eyebrow and she explains. “I did my internship at an MRPU.”

“I managed to convince my commanding officer to give me convalescent leave. The leave is up soon and then I plan to go through the Medical Evaluation Board.”

Hazel drops her chin to study the floor. I recognize the stalling tactic.

“What is it?”

“I’m not an expert. But when I interned at the MRPU, I had a few of my patients go through the Medical Evaluation Board and Physical Evaluation Board.”

“And?” I push when she doesn’t continue.

“It’s not easy to get reinstated.”

“I know. It’s why I’m working my ass off.”

She frowns. “You’re pushing yourself too hard. Why do you think you had to be carried out ofHideaway Haven Resortyesterday?”

I growl. “I wasn’t carried.”

“Sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“No. Continue. You obviously have more to say.”

She swallows. “Um…none of my soldiers returned to active duty.”

“None?”

“Correction. Some returned to duty but they had modified duties or were reassigned under COAD.”

“I don’t qualify for continuation on active duty. I don’t have fifteen years of active-duty service.”

“Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe you’ll sail through the medical board.”

I glare at her. “Don’t humor me. You nearly dislocated your jaw gaping when I said I want to return to active duty.”

She drums her fingers on her thighs before asking, “Do you want my professional opinion?”

“I’m paying you to be a professional, aren’t I?”

She hesitates for such a long time I figure she won’t tell me her opinion. But she finally blows out a breath and speaks.

“It’s my professional opinion that you are not medically fit to return to active duty. You’ve made vast improvements since we started working together but I don’t think you will ever pass the physical army readiness tests.”

My stomach spasms and I worry I’m going to throw up all over the floor.

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