Page 7 of Frozen Flames

Claire’s new, and while my parents hired her for her nursing qualifications, it turns out she has the added bonus of being a PT assistant as well.

While I wait for her to finish setting up, I play a game on my phone.

“Did it feel good?” she asks suddenly.

I pull my eyes away from my phone. “Did what feel good?”

“Going outside, silly,” she teases with a small smile.

I nod, pocketing my phone.

I spend a long time stretching until we’re at the part of my training where I need towalk.

Some days I remind myself that life isn’t as bad as I make it out to be, while other days I want to vanish.

Claire hovers close to me as I slowly stand up. She holds on to one side of my waist, then my arm, to ensure I’m steady.

“I can walk to the bars myself,” I remind her harshly.

The distance is pretty minimal.

“Okay. I’m sorry.” Her cheeks turn red, and I disregard the tiny prick of guilt I feel at being rude. Then I walk slowly, one step at a time, toward the two bars.

“You’re good?” she confirms.

I nod. “Yes, ma’am.”

I wait for her to walk behind me, standing near enough in case I fall. Unlikely, but I never know.

Our bodies can be our best friends or most treacherous enemies.

Mine is even more fickle that way.

Sometimes it progresses, and then it takes several steps back, as if the hard work meant nothing.

“I’m right behind you,” she reassures me.

I place each hand on a bar, clearing my throat as I take one step forward. The leg that used to give out from time to time isn’t doing so lately. It’s getting stronger, hence why Stefan’s been pushing me harder.

My hands are sweating as I take two more steps, quicker this time.

The things I fucking took for granted.

My core muscles are spasming as I take a few more steps. I can’t believe I’m doing this. I knew that it was possible, but to have it come to fruition is a dream come true.

Due to my degree of spinal injury, with incomplete damage to the spine, I was able to take small steps here and there right after the accident to shower, get on my lowered bed, and eventually transfer myself to the passenger seat of our modified van.

But this is different,more. It’s so different indeed that I’m wiping the sweat off my face with my white tee when I finally reach the end of the bars.

We do a set of roughly ten other exercises, and I’m completely exhausted by the time we’re done.

Claire gives me a high five, and our hands lock for a second too long. I pull back my hand, needing a shower. “You did good, Harvey.” She gives me an encouraging smile.

“Thanks.”

The following Wednesday afternoon, Claire is still encouraging during PT, and I’m just as spent.

Gemma started her new job today. I mean, of course she got the job; they would’ve been stupid not to hire her. Still, my insecurities got the best of me all morning until I convinced myself that this was a good thing for Gemma and that I needed to be proud of her.

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