Page 7 of Memories of Me

IT WAS MY last official full day in the hospital. It had been a week and I had regained all of my mobility. I was set to be released tomorrow despite the fact I still didn't know my name and no one had come to claim me. It was strange not being formerly addressed by a first name. I didn’t even have a nickname.

I was feeling dejected and scared. Where was I going to go? They had suggested a women's shelter, which brought absolutely no comfort. One of the nurses had offered for me to stay with her since she lived alone, but it didn't feel right not having a job to pay rent.

My last physical therapy appointment took place in the pool. It was a pretty hot day, so the pool was a welcomed relief. I had just finished the two-hour session, and I was sitting on the first step, soaking in the rays before I had to go back to my room. I had ditched the wheelchair a few days ago, negating my need for Grady's assistance anymore. I hadn't seen him since, and I wondered if I would see him again before I was discharged.

"Well, hello there."

I opened my eyes to Grady standing above me blocking the sun and filling my line of sight with his big blue eyes and goofy grin. I couldn't help but laugh. I was excited to see him. "Where have you been hiding?"

"I haven't been hiding. I've been working," he answered, holding his hand out for me.

I took it and let him pull me up. I was still a little unsteady on my feet, but I was doing much better. My balance was off, but I could hop if I wanted and not fall flat on my face.

"And if I recall, you ditched me," he added.

"How could I possibly ditch you? I'm in a hospital."

"You went off and started walking and didn't need me anymore. I couldn't find the right excuses to come visit you."

He handed me my towel. I was suddenly aware that I was standing in front of him in a hospital issued bathing suit. I wrapped myself quickly, not entirely comfortable in my own skin yet.

"So sorry," I teased.

"I heard they're letting you out of this place tomorrow."

"You heard right." I slipped on the hospital sandals and walked back into the building.

"Where are you going from here?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Your guess is as good as mine."

He walked me to the bathroom in silence.

"I just wanted to say goodbye in case I missed you tomorrow." He leaned on the wall next to the door.

"I'm glad you did. Thanks."

"For what?"

"For making all of this more bearable." I grabbed the door handle, but he placed his hand on my arm, stopping me.

"Are you going to be okay?" Concerned filled his eyes.

"I hope so," was all I said as I left him to get changed. He was gone when I came back out, which only amplified the terror of what tomorrow would bring. He was the only person I knew, and tomorrow I would be back at square one. I sauntered back to my room, knowing only one thing for sure—the future held nothing but uncertainty.

The next day I sat on a bench in front of the hospital with my discharge papers in hand and not a clue as to where I was going. They gave me the address to the women's shelter and the bus route, but I really didn't want to go there. I couldn’t believe this was really happening. I was going to be a nameless homeless person. I couldn’t help the tears that fell when a familiar voice called from behind.

"Hey." Grady sat down on the bench.

"Hey." I wiped away the tears.

"This is ridiculous, you know?"

"What?" I sniffled.

"That they just throw you into the wild like you’re a rescued animal they nursed back to health and released."

"That's a pretty fair comparison to my situation." I shook my foot nervously.

Grady stood suddenly. "Give me your hand." I took it hesitantly. "You're coming with me."

He dragged me behind him toward the parking lot. I couldn't hold back the relief that replaced the dread.

Someone had claimed me.

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