Page 58 of Choosing Skyler

Skyler’s head jerks and Julies eyes go wide at the movement.

“Devon and Tracey are still in the room. So, maybe warn whoever goes in to enter at their own risk.” I laugh and Skyler’s lips twitch.

Julie’s hand flies to her chest in shock. “In that case I think I’ll go check on them before sending a tech in,” she says.

“That’s probably a good idea,” I tell her, knowing that she’s going to get a full report from Devon.

Chapter 22

Skyler

Once I realized that what was happening around me was real, it was easier to reach for it. As much as I wanted to save everyone from a lifetime of taking care of a basket case, I was realizing that they weren’t going to let me go.I wouldn’t let them go either if it were any of them in this chair.

Now, I’m lost, and I don’t know how to get back. I can reach and try, but I can’t break through. That tether is still broken. I broke it and I don’t know how to fix it.

When they were playing Race Time Championship, I wanted to play with them. I tried to reach for the controller in my lap, but I couldn’t get to it. I was still drifting. I could hear and see what was happening, but I wasn’t a part of it. Not really. Even though Tracey gave me credit for helping her win. All I did wasnothing. My car was in the way, just like I’ll always be if I can’t find my way back. They’ll never let me go. So, I’ll just be another piece of furniture. A burden to take care of—exactly what I didn’t want to be.

Brady always seems to know exactly what I need. He takes me to a…park? No, not a park, a terrarium inside the hospital. But it is as nice as a park. There are fresh summer flowers everywhere and they smell amazing. We sit on a bench together holding hands and I can imagine that I am really there. He plays music for me.Sweater Weather, but not by The Neighbourhood. It’s a cover I’ve never heard. A softer duet and I love it. When they sing about the holes in the sweater, I can feel them.

So, here I sit. Holding this holey sweater and listening to music with Brady beside me. When the song ends, Brady chuckles next to me.I miss that sound.

“I guess those are kind of like holey sweaters. Devon told me that you made them all except the one on top of your chest of drawers. Your Granny made that one, right?” he asks.

I focus on my hand still gripping the sweater. Only it’s not a sweater. It’s one of my afghans. Imadethis. If I can make a whole blanket then surely, I can mend this invisible tether that I broke. I just have to find the pieces.

I remember my Granny showing me a tattered afghan and fixing it with new yarn while telling me, “You can mend anything with the right pieces and enough love to find them.”

I have the right pieces and the love. I just need to find them all and fix this.

Brady gets anxious next to me.Did he say something?I drifted in my memory. But I’m here, now. I have to fix this. He’s been through enough.Weare the right pieces. We can mend each other. I don’t know why it took me so long to realize this. I reach for the tether and grip it tight, trying not to let it slip away again.

“I’m right here, Beautiful. I choose you, always. I love you so much. Ineedyou,” he cries.

Don’t cry, Brady. I’m here. I choose you too. I love you too. I need you too.

I tighten my hold. I can fix this. Iwillfix this. I just have to find my way back first.I want to go home. I can’t find my way back.

“Iseeyou. You’re not lost. I’ll always find you, Beautiful,” he tells me, wiping my face and kissing my forehead.

I’m not alone. He’ll pull me back. I just have to keep mending the tether.

“It’s time to go. We’ll come back tomorrow if you want to, okay?”

Yes! I like it here. I want to come back.

“Hey, Sweets. Did you have a nice stroll? I bet the sunshine and flowers were nice, huh?” Devon says when we enter the hospital room.

They were. We’re going back tomorrow.

“That’s great,” he chokes out like he might cry.

“Maybe we can all go have a picnic next time,” Tracey says in a strained voice.

Why is everyone crying when I’m trying to come back. Do they not want me after all?

“Whoa, Beautiful! We’re here. We’ve got you. It’s okay. We’ll be here when you’re ready,” Brady says, squatting down in front of me.

I reach for him. Or I try to reach for him, but I’m still not in control. My mind is here, and my body is here, but I can’t make them work together.I’m ready now! I just can’t get there. Help me!!!

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