I dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Our house,” I reminded her in a gentle tone.
“Our house,” she agreed. “Our home.”
I kissed her again. It was a home only when she was there, and now she’d be there every day. I was spoiled always having her around.
I had spent a couple days in the hospital, relieved when I was released and able to return home. I ached all over, my arm uncomfortable, and my ribs felt as if they were on fire every time I moved. It had felt awesome to walk in my front door though, even if I moved at a snail’s pace.
Over the next few weeks, I learned how short my patience was with my physical limitations. I needed help to do everything, and I had to rely on my family and Avery for it all. She took some time off and was with me for the first couple weeks. She handled my recuperation better than I was able to, rarely losing patience with me. I hated that I needed help to shower, dress, sit, and even shave.
I discovered quickly I was shit when it came to using my left hand; the nicks on my face and neck were proof, after I insisted on shaving myself the first day. Avery had teased me as she blotted the blood on my skin. “Really, Daniel. You survive a roll over, then take yourself out with a razor because you’re so stubborn?” I laughed because she was right.
She refused to allow me to feel sorry for myself or to do too much. I had to admit I enjoyed the naps she insisted on taking. They started out as a necessity for the first few days, then became an excuse to lie down with her nestled beside me. We watched movies, talked, and she read to me, her voice soothing and relaxing me.
As my energy returned, we walked around the grounds, exploring and enjoying the time together.
However, she had to return to work, and after a few days alone, I was going stir crazy and started wandering to the clinic on a regular basis. At first, Caitlin and Avery objected, but Steven was on my side and we came to an agreement. I couldn’t lift or examine animals, but I could help consult and offer suggestions. I was careful not to overdo, and it helped pass the hours of the day.
Avery brought a few things with her every night when she returned. Beth and Ryan were amazing and helped her on the weekends, bringing more of her possessions to the house. She put the boxes in the guest room, unpacking them gradually, and today was the final lot. I drove in with her; not once did I make fun of her driving. The few lessons I had with her had helped her relax behind the wheel, but I knew she would always be an overcautious driver. I didn’t suggest we take the shortcut. I knew she would never drive that road again, even on the sunniest, driest of days.
I had my dad drive me there one day to see where the accident occurred. Evidence still remained of the damage my truck had done when it flipped over.
My stomach lurched when I saw the massive upheaval of earth and roots the truck had driven in the ground.
Dad stood beside me, his hand firmly on my shoulder as we surveyed the area.
“Avery hates it when I use this road.”
His voice was low when he spoke. “Your mother hates this road, too, Daniel.”
I glanced at him. “She never said anything.”
“You’re a grown man capable of making your own decisions. So she kept her opinion to herself. But I think now you have two very important women in your life who hate it. You may want to make a change.” He paused for a moment. “Caitlin isn’t big on it, either.”
“Oh.”
“Neither am I.”
I nodded, surprised at the thickness of his voice. There was no choice to be made in the matter. “Well then, I guess the majority rules.”
We were both glad to leave the scene. The fact I wasn’t the only vehicle on the road that fateful day was a miracle. The person following me had been the one to call 911, and because of them, I was rescued promptly. The EMT who arrived on the scene knew me and called my father as soon as we were en route to the hospital. I still had only vague recollections of what transpired, and I was okay with not remembering. I knew how upset Avery got when someone broached the subject.
“Will you miss your own space?”
She shook her head. “No. I look forward to our life together, Daniel.”
“You may change your mind when I start physio next week and am grumpy all the time.”
She laughed, bending over to pick up a box. I had to resist taking it from her. I knew my limitations, even if I tried to push the boundaries at times, a full box was impossible.
“You’re already grumpy, so I think I can handle it. We’ll figure out a goal for you to work toward, and perhaps that will help.”
“I have three goals in mind.”
“Ah, the three. Go ahead.”
“Yep. My dad and I are going to start looking for a new truck in a couple weeks when the cast comes off.”
“Okay.”