ischarges me for good. “Be gentle with your body Roman. No overstretching or exercising. Stay seated as much as possible. If you must get up, please have someone accompany you. Now, I don’t know the dynamics of the plan for your therapy, but I would assume they’ll start you off learning how to balance and walk again. Keep your brace on and listen to everything they say. The first couple of sessions will be very difficult for you. You will probably want to give up a bunch of times, but you need to push yourself and pull through. Can you do that?”
I listen attentively and nod with confidence. “Yes sir.”
“Okay good. Now, are you going to use the facility here or are you going to choose your own?”
I ponder his question, trying to decide what’s best for me. If I stay here, then I have a greater chance of running into Melanie.
I look at him, ready to answer. “I will go some—”
Aunt Maggie interrupts, “Uh, he will stay here!”
I stare at her with a ‘what the hell’ look. She looks me dead in the eye, piercing me with her deep brown eyes. The woman means business.
I roll my eyes, knowing exactly what she’s doing. Looking back at Dr. Ferguson I tell him that I’ll use the facilities here. Aunt Maggie smiles in the background while Uncle Vinny chuckles at his scheming wife. Dr. Ferguson wishes me well and exits my room, sending smiles to my aunt and uncle. Gathering the clothes they brought me, Uncle Vinny helps me sit up, assisting with getting my shirt on, sliding it over my TLSO. Aunt Maggie steps out to give me a little privacy as he lifts me up to a standing position and then slides on my sweatpants.
Standing with the assistance of my uncle, my legs are very shaky, but at least I’m standing. My feet haven’t touched the floor in weeks and I can’t help by wiggle my toes against the cool tiles. Once steady in his arms, I pull up my sweatpants and tie the knot.
The brace almost touches the trim of the sweats. I’ll have to invest in a few more, as jeans won’t fit over this brace. Keeping a mental note, I slide my feet into my sneakers just as Aunt Maggie and Jackie step inside with a wheelchair. Aunt Maggie passes me my coat and I zip it on as I take a seat in the wheelchair. Jackie passes me the discharge papers and tells me to sign the dotted line. Once signed, she wishes me luck and a merry Christmas.
As she steps out of the room, she looks back at us. “Oh, since you’re using the facilities here, you should go up to the third floor and make an appointment with the next available therapist.”
We all thank her as she exits. Aunt Maggie clears the items from the dresser and the windowsill and puts them in a shopping bag. Uncle Vinny grabs hold of the wheelchair and starts pushing me toward the door.
Just before we exit, I raise my hand. “Stop. Can you pass me the trash?”
Aunt Maggie’s face displays her confusion. “Roman, what on earth?”
“Just pass the garbage can please.”
She reluctantly hands me the trash and I peek inside, seeking what I need. I stick my hand inside and pull out the Christmas tree ornament.
Taking the trashcan from me, Aunt Maggie comments, “Oh, that’s beautiful. Where did you get that from?”
I wipe it clean. “Melanie gave it to me.”
She asks, “And why was it in the trash?”
I sigh and look away from her. “Because I’m an idiot.”
“You’re right on that account, but at least you knew to take it out.”
A few minutes later, we arrive at the physical therapy division and make an appointment. The attending nurse informs me that my physician, Tom, will be available every day from eight AM to two PM so we schedule an hour-long appointment for three days a week. As Aunt Maggie talks to the nurse about my condition, I take a look inside and see a few patients working on their bodies. Their faces are filled with strain and torture as the therapists are stretching and pulling limbs left and right. Ah hell.
Roman
AS THE CAR pulls up to the curb at my aunt and uncle’s house, tears fill my eyes. I never thought I’d see the day that I would love coming home again. The house is decorated for the holidays; Uncle Vinny really outdid himself this year. Colorful lights cascade down every angle of the roof and icicle lights hang from the gutters. Reindeer perch on the lawn and an inflatable Santa waves at the neighbors.
Uncle Vinny also managed to build a ramp for my wheelchair and Aunt Maggie made sure all the snow was completely shoveled and the sidewalks covered in salt. Once wheeled inside, the fragrant scent of the home fills my nose. The sweet smell of baked cookies travels throughout the rooms, flowing from the kitchen all the way to the front door. Closing my eyes, I inhale, breathing in the sweet scent, letting my senses take over completely.
Christmas music plays at a low volume in the background and the lit Christmas tree shines under the dazzling star. Aunt Maggie pushes me inside, removing my hat and coat, and I wheel myself further into the living room.
The rest of the day is complete bliss. Aunt Maggie makes her delicious lasagna, which I inhale in two bites. Uncle Vinny and I spend time catching up on old TV shows and the New York sports teams. There’s always that battle on the best baseball team. Every time that topic of conversation arises, Aunt Maggie hides. Can you blame her? He also tells me about some new upgrades he’s been working on at his store and having to hire a new employee to help manage.
Aunt Maggie gives me a little taste test of some of her new wedding cake mixes. Somehow I find my hands dipped in chocolate frosting; I feel like a kid all over again. Being home feels so wonderful and satisfying. I end up sleeping in the guest room, as I cannot use the stairs. The bed isn’t as comfortable as mine, but it’ll do for now.
******
“Roman, I’ll be back in a bit to come get you. Listen to everything they say. Don’t be mean.” Aunt Maggie kisses my cheek as she exits the physical therapy center in the hospital.