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Gabby took a moment to study Selena. Something was calming about her presence, a soothing energy that Gabby found herself gravitating towards. “I’ve been better,” Gabby admitted, her voice cracking slightly. “But I guess that’s to be expected.”
Selena nodded, stepping closer to the bed. “It’s completely understandable. You’ve been through a lot. If there’s anything you need or want to talk about, I’m here for you. And I’ve been told I’ve got some excellent listening skills.”
Gabby appreciated the offer. She could sense that Selena genuinely cared, and it made her feel a little less alone. “Thankyou. I just…I don’t know how to process all of this. One moment, I’m fine, and the next, I’m missing part of my leg. Then, to add to my misery, I feel awful because I let my mood swings get the best of me, and I got snippy with my family, teammates, and boyfriend and kicked them out.”
Selena’s eyes widened a fraction. “Oh, boy,” she said with a slight laugh.
“Oh, boy is right,” Gabby said, running her hands down her face in frustration.
Selena motioned to the chair next to Gabby’s bed. “May I sit for a minute?”
“Of course,” Gabby replied.
Selena sat down and looked at Gabby. “It’s a lot to take in, and it’s okay to feel however you feel. There’s no right or wrong way to handle something like this.”
Gabby felt tears welling up in her eyes, and she blinked them back. “I’m scared, Selena. I don’t know what my life is going to be like now. Everything feels so uncertain. Today, my family and teammates were all here talking about me and what I should do or what could happen, and I just snapped. It was like I was invisible to them, and they were planning my next steps after I got out of here without even asking me what I wanted.”
Selena reached out and gently took Gabby’s hand in hers. “It’s natural to feel scared. But you’re strong, Gabby. From what I’ve heard, you’re a fighter. You’ll find a new normal, and you have so many people who love you and will support you through this. I can assure you that there will be times when you’re going to have to put your foot down and remind others that you have a voice as well. You have to remember that they’re probably scared too.”
Well, shit. Gabby never thought about that. But it made sense.
Gabby squeezed Selena’s hand, feeling a bit of her fear ease. “Thanks. It helps to hear that. And you’re right. I never thought about what everyone around me must be going through.”
Selena smiled, her eyes shining with kindness. “Anytime. Now, how about we do a quick check-up? Make sure everything is in order, and then we can talk some more if you want.”
Gabby nodded, appreciating the distraction. As Selena went about her duties, checking her vitals and adjusting her medications, they talked. Selena told her about her son, her love for cooking, and her dream of traveling the world one day. Gabby found herself opening up as well, sharing stories about her Coast Guard experiences and her love for the ocean.
By the time Selena finished, Gabby felt she could see herself befriending her nurse. “I like you, Selena,” she said with a small smile. “Thanks for the talk. I needed it.”
Selena returned the smile, her eyes warm. “You’re welcome. And I’m here for you, whatever you need.”
As Selena left the room to attend to her other patients, Gabby felt a little lighter. She still had a long road ahead, but she felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could navigate this new reality and come out stronger on the other side.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Gabby stood at the window in her room, looking out at the ships and boats in the water, wishing she could be out there.
She looked down at her phone screen for what felt like the hundredth time. It was early afternoon now, and still no word from her parents. She had texted them late last night after talking with Selena. She wanted to apologize for the way she had snapped at everyone. She knew they were only trying to help, and she hated how she’d treated them. They hadn’t replied yet, and she couldn’t help but wonder if she had pushed them away too far this time.
Selena had been blunt with her, but that was what Gabby needed. Last night’s conversation replayed in her head.
"You’ve got a good support system, Gabby. You don’t want to push them away when you need them the most."
Selena was right. Gabby had been too wrapped up in her own frustration and pain to see it. Her family, her teammates, even Playboy—they were all just trying to be there for her. And she had pushed them away with her irritation, her mood swings, and her exhaustion.
Her thoughts drifted to Playboy. She had texted him, too, apologizing to him as well. Of course, he’d brushed it off, telling her there was nothing to apologize for and that he understood. He’d said she’d been under a lot of stress and that he would be by after work today, like always.
That thought alone brought her a small sense of relief. At least he wasn’t upset with her.
Gabby let out a long sigh, her gaze flicking back to the door. Would her mom and dad stop by today? She hoped so. She needed to see them, to apologize in person, to tell them she appreciated everything they’d done. But what if she had really pissed them off? What if they didn’t want to come?
A soft knock on the door snapped her out of her spiraling thoughts. Gabby’s heart skipped a beat.Mom?
“Come in,” she called, trying not to sound too eager.
The door swung open, but instead of her mom, it was Clover, beaming and carrying a massive basket overflowing with goodies. Gabby’s eyes widened at the sight. She could already see a mountain of chocolate, her favorite.
“Hey, girl!” Clover said, her voice full of energy as she walked in, the basket practically taking up her entire torso. “This is from me, Jocelyn, and Hannah. We thought you could use some cheering up.”
