Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
“I understand,” he said. “But you know I can’t come back. You still have a beautiful life ahead of you.”
“I’m so sorry, Brady. I should have been there when it happened. If I had been, you’d be okay. I wouldn’t have let him hurt you.”
He pulled away and looked me in the eyes again. “We can’t change what happened. And it wasn’t your fault. All you can do is throw yourself into the life you have and love the ones who are around you.”
As he spoke those words, I blurted out, “I met a guy.”
“I know, and I know you love him. And I’m so happy for you. You and Mom and Dad and Ethan deserve all the happiness in the world. Cherish the times you have together. Appreciate every moment, Sean. I know you have had a hard time opening your heart in the past because of me, but you can do it now. I love you so much. Always know that, but I need you to listen to me and get…up…”
My eyes pushed open, but my body still felt outside of my control, like I was paralyzed, almost. I tried to turn my head, but I noticed I was wearing some sort of neck brace. The memory of the parking lot…of Mary and Twila came rushing back to me. I noticed Ethan lying next to me, and even though I wasn’t able to do anything, it was nice knowing I wasn’t alone. Despite my physical discomfort, my dream had filled me with hope…reminded me of all I had to live for.
I couldn’t tell the time aside from the clothing changes like before, but gradually, I found my strength returning, and one day, I awoke being able to move a little more than before, without the obstruction in my mouth—which I assumed had to have been some sort of breathing tube. There was so much going on between Mom and nurses and doctors trying to talk to me. It all blurred together. As Mom had noted at one point, “They’ve put a lot of medication in you, Sean. So it’s probably very hard for you to take this all in. Don’t try too hard. Just relax. Don’t strain yourself. Everything’s going to be okay.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but my mouth and throat were so dry, I could hardly get anything out. It took some time and patience, but I started feeling like I was coming back into my own, and I finally managed to speak again. A doctor came in at one point and asked me some questions, but as I got muddled and confused when answering them, Ethan fussed at him, saying I obviously needed more time.
When the doctor left, Dad took my hand, and as I looked at him, I realized he was in tears, his face spasming before he buried his face in his arm. Mom wrapped her arms around him. “It’s okay. He’s okay,” she assured him as fresh tears slid down her face as well.
I knew why they were crying.
Because this horrible situation must’ve reminded them of Brady, and I felt terrible that I’d been the one to stir up those terrible memories…and for scaring them…for leaving them feeling like they might have lost their other son.
One morning, I started to feel better about talking, and I guessed they’d laid off the meds because I was feeling more like myself when Ethan walked in.
“Sean?” he said before leaning over me. “Sean, how do you feel today? Are you okay? You need me to get you anything?”
His beautiful blue eyes and the resonance of his voice soothed me, and I felt safe knowing he was near.
“I’ve been better,” I replied, my voice a little scratchy, they’d told me because of the breathing tube that had been in me. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Don’t talk. Don’t strain your voice,” he said as he brushed the back of his hand across my face.
“I’ve been quiet the past few days. I’d like to talk a little.”
He smiled. “Do you need me to get you anything?”
“You sound like my parents,” I said since that’s what Mom and Dad kept asking before they left. “But unless you’re going to be able to get me some more painkillers, I don’t figure you can help me out much.”
“You seem like you’re feeling better.”
“I feel like the fog I was in when I first woke up has lifted a bit. I don’t plan on solving any Sudoku puzzles anytime soon, but it’s better.”
“You’re lucky to even be here right now with that stunt you pulled.”
“I know, right? Stupid as fuck.”
He shook his head. “It wasn’t stupid, and you know that. You did an amazing thing.”
“I did what anyone else would have done.”
“No, not anyone.”
“You would have done it,” I pointed out because I knew it was true, and he did too. “I might have some badass ninja moves, but Straighty’s heart’s in the right place, even though he doesn’t show it to everyone.”