The bell waited at the end of the hallway. I swallowed, a giddy, nervous laugh bubbling in my throat.
"Ready, Brit?" Nurse Hannah grinned, holding out her hand.
I nodded, pressing my palms to my jeans. "Ready."
As I stepped into the hallway, I gasped. The nurses and doctors lined both sides, smiling, some clapping softly. My heart swelled, and suddenly my legs were running before my mind caught up. I ran, arms out, toward the bell, my shoes slapping the tile.
"Brit, don't fall!" Sylvia's teasing voice echoed, and I giggled, half skipping now, half dancing.
I reached the bell and tugged the rope hard, the clear ringing sound filling the air. Tears pricked my eyes as the staff cheered.
It was over. No, not over-but this chapter was. I was walking out. I was free.
The double doors at the end of the hallway swung open, and my breath hitched. There he was.
"Jasper!" I shrieked.
My brother stood there in dark jeans, a gray sweater, and in his arms-tulips. Pink tulips. My favorite. His face crumpled into the warmest, most beautiful smile as I bolted toward him, throwing myself into his arms.
He caught me with a soft grunt, lifting me off the floor as if I weighed nothing. I buried my face into his shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of cologne, laundry soap, and Jasper. My arms squeezed tighter, and I felt his fingers tremble slightly on my back.
"I missed you, I missed you so much," I whispered into his neck.
"God, Brit," Jasper murmured, his voice thick. "You have no idea how much I missed you."
I pulled back, pressing my palms to his face. His eyes were glassy. "I'm better now, Jasp. Look! Look at me!" I twirled in front of him like a child, half laughing, half crying. "Fifty-nine kilograms! No more purging, no more hiding food under my bed! I even ate pancakes yesterday and didn't panic."
He huffed a teary laugh, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "You look amazing, little sister."
"Did you bring Tulip?" I asked hopefully, bouncing on my toes.
His smile softened. "She's waiting at the hotel."
My mouth dropped open. "No way! You brought the dog?"
"Of course I did. She missed you too."
I titled my head up, tears spilling down my face. His eyes were wet too.
"You're crying," I sniffled, giggling. "Why are you crying?"
"Because you scared the hell out of me," he laughed, ruffling my hair. "And because I'm happy. So damn happy."
He pulled back slightly to study me. His hand brushed my cheek, his thumb wiping a stray tear.
"I can't believe how strong you are," he whispered.
I grinned. "I can eat cake again."
He burst out laughing. "You're unbelievable."
"Come on, come on, let's go!" I tugged his arm. "Let's get out of here!"
I squeezed him again, then waved frantically at Sylvia and Tate down the hall. They were hugging, tears in their eyes, and Iknew they were happy for me, but part of me wanted to run back and pull them into this moment. I blew them a kiss, mouthing I love you guys.
Jasper led me out to the car, my fingers still wrapped around his arm like a lifeline.
Inside the hotel room, I flung myself on the bed, wrapping my arms around Tulip, who barked excitedly and licked my face until I squealed. Jasper watched, a fond smile on his lips as I peppered Tulip's head with kisses.
