Page 17 of Bear's Heart

“Wow,” she whispered.

“Over time the cost will come down a little, but not enough for most people.Which is why I want to create facilities where those who would greatly benefit from using one, could have access to them without bankrupting them.The intent is that folks could make a reservation and come use one, just like one would for a personal trainer or a spa appointment.”

“Have you used one before?”

“I actually own one of my own.I haven’t used it recently but should.They’re not sufficient exercise for me to consider them a workout, but they’re good for everything else.It’s important those with SCI get up and stand.It helps with circulation, reduces infections, sores, everything.”

“I’ve never heard very much about them.How were you introduced to them?At a rehab facility?”

“I’ve been involved with the technology for years, long before I was hurt.I became interested in exoskeletons when my friend Sean O’Leary was paralyzed in an accident.I, like everyone on the circuit, am aware of the dangers.Every year, someone dies in this sport, whether it’s a high school kid, college kid, or a professional.It’s dangerous.Just like motocross is dangerous, and other extreme sports.But it’s different when it’s someone close to you that is hurt, you know?”

She nodded but didn’t interrupt him.

After a moment, he continued.“I wanted to be there for Sean.I wanted to know as much as I could, and I did a lot of reading, and a lot of research, and I discovered one of the most important things is getting someone with spinal cord injury on their feet.It helps address a large number of health issues and complications.Someone put me in touch with Dylan Sheenan—he’s from Paradise Valley, comes from an old ranching family—now working in high tech in Austin.He’s taken his success and become an investor in robotics—”

“Robotics?”

“Exoskeletons are a form of robotics, and robotics can help those with spinal cord injuries potentially walk again and regain some movement.It’s still a new field.Every major university hospital is working on trials, but they’re not readily available in communities.”

“If they’re that important to one’s quality of life, why have you stopped using yours?”she asked.

“I’ve just been busy, and its time consuming getting it on.”

“But you have to make the time, Bear.I mean, if you believe in it so much.”

He smiled crookedly.“You make excellent points.But when you see what one looks like, you’ll understand why having a clinic where someone can go to get assistance matters so much to me.No one with an injury wants to be a burden on his or her family, and this way, there is a place they can go to get support from those who understand what they’re going through.”

“I’m impressed.This sounds very exciting and futuristic.I keep thinking of the Iron Man from Avengers, you know how Robert Downey Jr’s character had that external suit he wore which allowed him to be stronger, faster and do those extraordinary stunts?”

“You might want to temper those expectations then.The existing exoskeleton designs are practical, but not stylish.They definitely don’t have all those bells and whistles, but maybe someday.”Amusement lightened his expression.“Maybe someday there will be a robotic suit that would allow someone with a spinal cord injury gain more freedom—not just walking and climbing a few stairs but running.Hiking.Being more fully active.I like to think it’s possible.I would love to think it’s possible in my lifetime, but what we have now is better than nothing.What we have now is promising.”

“But not accessible for most.”

“Exactly.”

“And that’s your goal.”

“Yes.”

*

Yes.His answer,so firm, so determined, resonated with her.Their eyes locked, held, and something in Bear’s gaze made Josie go warm, and the heat spread through her, starting in her chest, seeping into her middle, her arms and legs.

It felt good to understand what was driving him.It felt even better to feel enthusiastic about his goal.She saw his vision and believed in it.Her work wasn’t so dissimilar from his.

Suddenly, she was reminded of his friend Sean, which was how Bear had gotten involved in robotics in the first place.“What about Sean?”she asked.“Has he also embraced the exoskeleton?Did it make a difference for him?”

Bear’s expression changed.He glanced away, his voice deepening.“It didn’t.”

The husky note in his voice was pain, and Josie realized she’d wandered into a sensitive area, and it was better to leave the subject alone.

She took a sip from her water glass before speaking.“I think you’re on to something, and if anyone could make it happen, it would be you.”

He looked back at her, some of his tension easing.“Why me?”

“Because you’re Bear Anderson.Montana legend.”Her smile wavered, and she bit down on the inside of her cheek to keep her emotions in check.

Somehow, in just a few conversations, Bear had gotten under her skin.She was drawn to him, and it wasn’t pity that made her respond to him, but something far more powerful.It felt destined somehow.It felt as if she was supposed to know him, and as if they were supposed to work together.

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