“Promise me you’ll be honest with me. About how you feel, about everything. No more hiding.”
I nodded again, feeling a tear slip down my cheek. “I promise, Kevin.”
He smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile that made my heart swell with emotion. “That’s all I need.”
We sat there in silence, our hands still clasped together, as the weight of everything unsaid hung between us.
But for the first time in weeks, I felt a glimmer of hope—a fragile, tentative hope that maybe, just maybe, we could figure this out together.
Chapter Eighteen
Kevin
I dropped my crutches onto the bed, taking a deep breath as I prepared to stand on my own for the first time in months. My heart raced with a mix of skepticism and hope.
Was I ready? There was only one way to find out—I had to try.
Cautiously, I shifted my weight onto my legs. The familiar discomfort was there, but it was different this time—manageable, almost encouraging.
I took a step forward, then another, and before I knew it,I was walking. No crutches, no cane. Just me, standing tall and moving freely.
A wave of exhilaration washed over me. I imagined how incredible it would feel to go on dates with Licia without leaning on anything or anyone.
To walk side by side like a normal couple, without the constant reminder of my injury hanging between us.
“Okay, Kevin. Don’t get ahead of yourself,” a cautious voice in my head warned, but I was too caught up in the moment tocare. The thrill of newfound freedom was intoxicating, and I was ready to push my limits.
Just as I was about to take a few more steps, a knock on the door snapped me back to reality. My heart pounded as I quickly hobbled back to the bed, dropping into it and pulling the comforter over myself.
I didn’t need anyone—especially not Lexie—finding out what I’d been up to. She’d never let me hear the end of it.
“Good morning, son,” Mom greeted as she walked in.
“Good morning, Mom,” I replied, stifling a yawn for effect. My acting skills were improving—so much so that I almost convinced myself I’d just woken up.
She sat down beside me, a soft smile on her face. “Are you excited for today?”
“Yeah, absolutely.” I grinned, knowing she was referring to my follow-up appointment.
But the real reason for my excitement was something else entirely—Licia and I were back together. And I could walk, if only a little, without any assistance. Life was finally starting to look up.
“I love that… Breakfast will be ready soon.”
“I’ll be down in a moment. Just need to freshen up and get dressed.”
Mom was halfway to the door when she paused, turning back to me.
“Will Lexie be going with you to the hospital?”
“Yeah. I promised I’d let her join me. Is she ready?”
She chuckled, her eyes twinkling. “What do you think?”
“I bet she is,” I said with a smile.
“So, we’ll be waiting at the table. Don’t be long.”
I nodded as she left, sinking back into the pillows.
