Page 62 of Curtain Call
“Tell me what else is going on.”
“Um, journaling is going well. I don’t write long passages that will someday be in a memoir, but it helps take the edge off when I’m feeling any certain way.”
“Then you’re doing it right. It’s supposed to be an outlet, that’s all.”
“I started doing pushups to help build some strength back in my arms. They’re just wall pushups but at least that’s something.”
“Physical health and mental health are two sides of the same coin. Working on one benefits the other. I’m proud of your progress and with the strides you’re making, you are moving up a level. That affords you new privileges.”
Rileyhasbeen working hard and should be happy about moving up, but the word privileges implies that he had something taken away. He is here of his own free will and shouldn’t be punished. But, when Riley checked in here at the facility, he agreed to abide by all the same rules and follow protocol. He’s here and complying. His medical insurance is only covering eight weeks, so he is trying to get the most out of this. He can’t afford the out-of-pocket expenses if he has to extend his stay.
“So, what does that mean,” Riley asks.
“I have scheduled you an appointment with the nutritionist this afternoon. Once you finish meeting with Jesse, you will then meet your personal trainer, Morgan, to talk about a workout routine to meet your overall goals. I know the number on the scale concerns you, and she will help you view those concerns through a healthy lens.”
“How?” Riley’s voice is hesitant.
“She will begin by showing you some images. While looking at those photos, you will explain to her what you notice in each of them. Things you like and dislike. She will then help you create a workout routine combined with the diet from Jesse to help you achieve your overall goals.”
“Sounds complex. It’s easier not to eat,” Riley finally says.
There is a long silence in the room with just the two of them staring at each other.
“Gandhi thought that too,” Dr. Rick winks.
“Sorry, just a joke,” Riley finally offers up.
Journal Entry
February 1st
Today I met with my nutritionist Jesse for over an hour. Unfortunately, he’s engaged to my trainer Morgan. It’s clear that he practices what he preaches. He really broke down food and what the different food groups can do for my body. I’ll probably never remember it all, but there were a few key takeaways. I can research more on my own when I get out of here and have internet access again. I was then shown photos of 2 different body types weighing 160 pounds and 180 pounds. Both guys were the same height as me. The picture of the guy weighing 160 was actually fatter than the 180-pound guy. The guy weighing 180 was fit with lean muscles. Not bulky. It was a body type that I could see myself striving toward. Jesse devised a plan for me, and I should have some printouts to follow later this week.
I then met my fitness coach Morgan for the remainder of my 3 weeks. I get to do 3 sessions a week. My first one was today and I have to say, she’s my new least favorite person. I have never been into working out. I mean, I like to run so my cardio is fine, but she was teaching me the basics of weight training. Then we did this thing called circuit training. No breaks. Just 45 minutes. One machine after the next. I probably shouldn’t go back if I value the use of my arms.
We did an official weigh-in and I am up twelve pounds since my initial check-in. I already knew this from medical this morning.
I’m glad I have access to the gym now. It’s been too cold to run outside lately so having the treadmill will be nice. Having something new to do each day will help mix up the monotonous routine.
Scene 8
February 14th
Riley
In the back corner of the rec room, facing the doorway, sits a piano. Every now and then you will hear someone banging outChopstickson it, or just messing around with the keys, but nothing remotely like a song. At least not one Riley has ever heard before.
Riley has avoided it because it was too much of a trigger. A trigger for what? He wasn’t sure.
Riley has been in recovery for seven weeks. He is starting to get into his workout routine and actually enjoys circuit training with Morgan. He even asked if she could continue training him once he was home and she gave him her business card for consultations any time. He was flattered at first until he realized he would have received it next week as part of his outpatient checkout.
Riley makes his way over to the piano, pulls out the bench, and sits staring at the long row of white and black keys. He just stares. He looks around the room for a minute, closes his eyes, and tries to remember. The first time he learned to play was through a YouTube video. He reaches deep inside and plucks something that was tight for so long. He takes his right hand, positions it on the keys, and presses down with his thumb until the note slowly fades out.
The one note sends chills up his arms and soothes his insides, like drinking a hot Chai tea latte from Charlie’s Coffee Shop. Now he’s craving one of those. He thinks of his hometown and smiles. All the memories play in a loop in his mind as his fingers automatically start playing the duet. He hums the first person’s part since he always sings the second. Playing and humming along to the first verse warped Riley into another universe.
In his mind, Riley is no longer at the treatment facility, he is in Rockport. He is walking hand in hand with Colin while window shopping, laughing at Colin’s silly dad jokes, and making mental notes of the things Colin wishes Santa would put under the Christmas tree this year. His number one item, Riley. He is also cuddled in front of the fireplace, under a handmade quilt that Colin’s grandma made for him before his grandparents moved to Florida. They lied under it while watching sappy Hallmark Christmas movies, and Riley proved he had a massive amount of restraint to not go past second base. He didn’t want to push Colin into that until he was ready.
Riley stops humming and begins emotionally belting out his part while still letting his fingers float across the keys –
