Little Moments (Second Chances 2)

the right leg. Lift it slowly so that it’s perfectly aligned with the height of the bench. Okay, then drop. Now lift again.”

Following Tom’s instruction, I lift my leg until it reaches the height of the seat. The burn as it stretches flows inside and a little pain shoots out from the leg. Repeating the lifts, I glance at him. “So, when do I start weights?”

“It probably won’t be for another month or so. I don’t want you hurting yourself and causing more injury. Slow and steady.”

******

The next session isn’t much better. Tom has me continue the leg lifts to the point that I almost quit. It’s not that it’s painful, it’s simply frustrating. I just want this over and done with. Deep down, I knew physical therapy was going to take a while, but I would have liked to see some progress already. Oh who am I kidding? What’s the point really?

Aunt Maggie watches during the second session as I complete the lifts. I can see hope in her eyes, but letting her down keeps filling my mind. I always thought that I was the strong one in the family, but it’s her. After everything she’s endured, Aunt Maggie has a heart of gold. After the session, she tells me how proud of me she is and even makes me do a few lifts on the couch at home. I can’t say no to her. How could I?

By the third and fourth sessions, I’m getting the hang of it. That is until Tom decides to switch it up on me. He pushes my chair into the open floor space again and has me lay on the ground on my back.

He instructs, “Now, lift each leg up toward the ceiling.”

“As high as I can?”

“No, just a few inches off the ground, and then each time you’ll lift a little higher.”

Letting out a deep breath, I focus on each lift, feeling the leg lift off the mat and soar into the air. It isn’t very high but at least it’s something. As it lifts, I feel my brace stretch and move along with my back. Being extra cautious, I make sure not to overextend myself.

After a few lifts of each leg, he pulls and stretches them out. Looking at the time he smiles. “Now, before the session is over, I want you to do some bicycle motions. Swirl your legs in a circle as if you’re riding a bike. Do that for the last ten minutes and then you can go.”

I can do this. Lifting both legs, I start off slow, then work my way into a fluid circular motion, just like pedaling a bike. My back sways along the mat as my legs continue to pedal in the air.

The stinging burn of my thighs and calves heats up, straining for a break, but I push through. Glancing at the clock, there are a couple more minutes left, so I speed up the pace just a tad for one last push. When time’s up, my legs crash on the mat, throbbing after the intense workout.

I look up toward Tom. “So, how did I do?”

He nods. “Excellent. You’re making good progress. We’ll keep these exercises going for the next week or so and then I’ll start you on the bar.”

Curious, I ask him, “The bar?”

He helps me sit up and brings the wheelchair for me. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

Melanie

IT’S BEEN EIGHT days since I’ve seen Roman. After he was discharged, Dr. Ferguson advised me that Roman decided to use the hospital’s physical therapy center. The news brought a smile to my face, but knowing that he was just one floor above me was torture.

Even though he was a pain in my ass sometimes and cranky as hell, in a way, I miss him. I miss our small conversations about Charlie Brown and our little games of charades. I want to go upstairs and see him, but I figure it’s none of my business really. Besides, I wouldn’t want to jeopardize my career and since I’m still a new employee, it wouldn’t look good for me to be running off to visit an old patient. I have to be responsible and make smart choices, and I’d been doing just that, until an unexpected visitor came by.

As I clean up a patient’s room, Amanda knocks on the door. “Hey Melanie, someone is here to see you.”

“Oh okay. I’ll be right out.”

My first thought goes immediately to Roman, but then I think about the last time he spoke to me and how it wasn’t very pleasant. Besides, he left without even saying goodbye. Hmm, maybe it’s Gia, or it could be Taylor. He might be back from Vegas.

Hurrying up with my chores, I race outside and see another staff member talking to Amanda at the nurses station. Walking up, I ask her who’s been looking for me.

The man glances over at me. “Ah, you’re Melanie?” He extends his hand. “I’m Tom, Roman’s physical therapist.”

“Oh hi. Nice to meet you. Is everything all right?”

“Yes yes, not to worry. I came down because I wanted to talk to you about him. Do you have time?”

“Uh, yes.” Peeking at Amanda, I whisper, “Cover for me. I’ll be back.”

I turn back to Tom and lead him out of the hall and into an empty patient room. “So, what did you want to discuss?”