Page 87 of Just Like That

‘Second, you know there’s… no way I’m going… to let you sacrifice… everything for me. That’s not how… this is going to work… and if you try to… you’ll do my bloody head in.’

I chuckle guiltily at this, fully aware of what he means.

‘You need to tell… all this to Nick,’ Seth continues. ‘I’ve not met the guy, but from… what you’ve just told me, I’m not sure he’s… going to react… to all this in the way… you think he will. It sounds to me… like his definition of… “uncomplicated”… might be a bit… different to yours.’

‘Oh, I’m not sure about that one, Seth.’ I’m unable to stay quiet on hearing this. ‘Even if you are right, I’ve kept things from him. He understandably has trust issues, so that on top of everything that’s just gone down is going to be a major red flag.’

‘Well, you won’t know… until you speak to him, will you? Where’s the… go-getter sister I know?’

I shrug pathetically. ‘She’s realised she can only be a go-getter if her circumstances suit others.’

‘There may be some… truth in that. We’re both at a… disadvantage now, but we can… keep fighting on. We’ll do it… together, yeah?’ He nudges me affectionately with his good arm.

‘OK, yeah.’ Seth’s rallying spirit is starting to rub off on me. ‘I really am so sorry about Alison and how I’ve got things so wrong, Seth.’

‘Look, it is… what it is. I know you meant… well, and I had no… idea you were struggl-ing… in the way you were. I forgive you. Now can you… forgive yourself?’

He pierces me with a look that reaches my soul, and I know in my heart that I can. Because with my wonderful brother being prepared to forgive me, dwelling on things would be illogical and self-indulgent, and it would risk further damaging our relationship.

‘Thank you, Seth.’ I wrap my arms around him and squeeze tight. ‘By the way, how are you feeling about the consultant’s judgement of your progress? I know how big a blow that must have been.’

‘It was.’ He nods. ‘But Jackson and I have… been chatting and we’ve… come to the conclu-sion that… he can do one.’

‘Sorry, what?’ I let out a confused giggle.

‘No one gets to… decide how well I’m… going to recover but me. And I’ve decided… I’m going to prove… him wrong. I’ve been doing some… intensive exer-cises… over the last few days… and I’m sure I’ve made… some progress already.’

‘That’s amazing. Go you!’ We share a crooked high five. ‘How about we go for a walk in the park then, and you can show me your moves?’

‘Sounds good to me.’

‘OK, perfect. Just give me a moment to send a quick message and we’ll head off.’

Ten minutes later, I push Seth’s wheelchair across the road to Montgomery Street Park. It’s a lovely evening, which despite it being the wrong side of mid-September, feels more like July or early August.

We’re not the only ones who have decided to make the most of this unexpected warm spell. A group of young lads are playing football on one side of the park, while children shriek with joy in the small play area. There are also plenty of people dotted across the grass, either reading alone or laughing and chatting with friends.

‘How nice is this?’ I angle my face towards the sun and enjoy soaking up its rays.

‘It’s pretty sweet,’ says Seth. ‘Park me up… will you? I want to try walking.’

‘Walking?’ I’m alarmed by this request. ‘Are you sure that’s a good idea?’

‘I do it in my… physical therapy sessions… so I’d like to try it… here, in a more natural setting.’

‘I thought you used bars or something to hold on to.’

‘I do, but I’ve been… managing some steps… without them. Don’t worry, I’m not… going to try and walk… round the park or anything. I just want to… feel free and independent… for a few moments.’

‘Seth, if you hit the deck, I might not be able to get you up again,’ I warn him.

‘I’m willing to take… a chance on that.’ He’s already trying to get out of his chair. ‘I really think… I can do it.’

‘All right then, but only if you take my arm.’ I glance to the left where I see someone approaching us. ‘Actually, to be safe, let’s have you take both our arms.’

‘What do you mean… by—’ Seth’s gaze follows mine and he stops short. ‘Alison?’

Alison, who has come to a nervous halt, gives a stunning, doe-eyed smile, then takes a few tentative steps towards him.

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