Page 64 of Rise Above

eyes filled with tears for some reason. I wasn’t a crier. “You clearly got into medical social work for a reason.”

“Another time, Talon. The doctor is coming in.” The door creaked open and a relatively young

doctor entered. He offered me a small smile. “Well Mr. Walker, after re-breaking your wrist, it’s a clean break. Which is a good thing. You’ll be in a cast for at least four weeks.”

One month. One month without hockey at a

minimum. That would mean potentially no playoffs either. I could handle that as long as I would be able to play again. I looked at the doctor, waiting for him to finish the news. My feet stopped, all tension entering my jaw.

“With some therapy, and REST, you’ll be playing

again before you know it. Ice and rest will be the key. Don’t jump back in once the cast is off. You’ll probably need a total of eight weeks of no hockey.”

“So, December?”

“Yes.” He handed me some prescriptions. “Rest,

Mr. Walker.”

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I nodded as he walked out the door. Aife took the

papers from me and placed them in a folder. Where she got a folder from, I had no idea. She was doing so much for me, and I didn’t know how to give her any kind of proper thank you. She was stunning in every way I could think of. My shoulders slumped, a wave of pure exhaustion hitting me.

“What else do we need to wait for? I’m ready to

leave,” I said frustratedly. My right hand clenched into a tight fist. “I hate being here.”

“Hospitals aren’t my favorite place either.” Aife

sent me a gentle look. Her hand landed on my fist, swiping her thumbs softly over it.

“You work in one, darling.” A small laugh left my

mouth. “That makes no sense.”

Aife held my hand. “Your accent came out just

now. Just because I work in a hospital doesn’t mean I like them. It causes me physical pain to be in these rooms in a non-social work capacity, Talon. I can do it for work, but this is killing me.” Tears welled in her eyes. “But, I promised I would be here for you. So, I’m here.”

My brow furrowed in confusion, my jaw tightening

as I attempted to pull back, only for her hand to grip mine more firmly. “Aife, what exactly does that mean?”

“Later. Not here, definitely not here. You just have

to sign papers, and we can go.” She sniffled, running a finger under her eyes before the tears fell.

Was she crying? I quickly turned to look at her

closely. Her eyes and nose were red. Tears threatened to spill, but Aife’s finger had held them at bay. She was trying

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