Page 232 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I smile despite the tears. "You were always a terrible patient."

The smile fades. "And the best thing that ever happened to me."

I slip my badge from around my neck.

It suddenly feels much heavier than a piece of plastic should.

Mrs. Alvarez told me once that healing isn't about returning to who you were.

It's about becoming who you're meant to be.

I wish I'd been brave enough to believe that applied to me, too. I set the badge on the reception desk. Then, before the rest of the hospital begins to wake...

I quietly walk away.

Jamie

The coffee shop is already busy when I stop on my way to rehab. Megan grins as soon as I walk through the door.

"The usual?"

"You know me too well."

"And one vanilla latte."

I blink. She folds her arms, looking entirely too pleased with herself. "You've ordered the same thing every Tuesday and Thursday for almost three months."

I laugh. "I guess I have."

She slides both cups onto the counter. "You finally going to tell her?"

I tuck my wallet back into my pocket. "I already did."

Her eyebrows shoot up. "And?"

"I don't know yet."

"You don't know?"

"I left a voicemail."

She winces. "Ouch..."

"Yeah." I shrug, trying to sound more confident than I feel. "She'll listen when she's ready."

"I hope she says yes."

"So do I."

I pick up both coffees. One for me. One for Annette.

For the first time in weeks...

I'm looking forward to therapy.

The automatic doors slide open as I step into Walker Rehabilitation Center.

Everything feels familiar - the scent of fresh coffee, the quiet murmur from the front desk, someone laughing farther down the hall.