Page 14 of Break Line

Nathan stared at the door, blaming Kini for shutting him out, for shutting down that phase of his journey.

“Nope. Not going to happen.” He reached for his crutch, swinging it wildly as he headed back to his room.

He searched through the drawer for the pamphlet and called Captain James. It was time to take charge of his life. He wasn’t sure what was going on with Kini but apparently, it didn't matter anyway. Fine!

He needed a change of scenery anyway.

As he sat in the dining hall, he had second thoughts, wondering if he was being too impulsive.

Damn it! How could he let her know that he wanted more from her than the physical therapy? He tore into the barbecued chicken as if it was his last meal, asking for seconds. If only they could bring him a highball to go with his meal.

Two hours later, he was loaded into the transport vehicle, assisted by a couple marines.

“You’ll like it at the VA hospital. They get us marines. Dr. Thompson really helped me get hold of my PTSD and depression after I lost my leg,” offered one of the men, Corporal Whitaker.

Nate looked him over, noting that there wasn’t any evidence of a limp. “You lost your leg? But you walk as if you have two legs with no limp.”

“I sure didn’t when I left this place. Not until I was around other Marines and SEALs who knew what it was like to have been in combat.” He nodded back to Nate.

His heart sank. “I don’t know man, I didn’t lose my leg in battle, I lost it to a goddamned shark!” He angrily climbed into the back of the jeep.

“You served. You survived firestorms; you know what it’s like. The fact that you made it back in one piece is a testament to your resolve. Doc won’t give you any special privileges for it being a shark. It’s gone all the same.” He nodded to Nate.

Nate glanced back at the Kauai Center, determined to face his demons once and for all.

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