Page 17 of Bridge to Home

“Yes.” Harlow cleared her throat. “I would like a water.”

“Me three, Pops Wynn,” Eryn said.

“I’ll be right back.”

Eryn waited until he went into the kitchen. “Are you okay? You’re white as a ghost.”

“It’s…this was harder than I thought it would be. Everything looks the same. Not a single thing has changed.”

“By design. When you left, it was like your dad wanted time to stand still, waiting for you to come home.”

Harlow didn’t doubt for a second that what her friend said was true. Her father looked older. Tired. Sad. The passing years and circumstances had taken their toll.

He returned and handed a bottle of water to each of them. “Your room should be ready. I hiredMadge Chalmers to give the place a thorough cleaning before we got here.”

“Madge, the Madge Maid in Heaven owner, is still around?”

“She’s semi-retired and only comes by every once in a while. I think she feels sorry for me. Madge can always use a little extra pocket money, so it’s a win-win.”

Harlow awkwardly unscrewed the cap on her bottle and took a dainty sip. Her broken thumb throbbed and now her head was starting to pound.

“You look like you’re in pain,” Eryn said.

“The trip tired me out more than I thought it would.”

“Let’s get you settled.” Wynn wheeled his daughter to the guest bedroom, not the bedroom Harlow had grown up in which was upstairs, but the other one, the one on the main floor Ginger reserved for special guests. It was the same size asHarlow’s childhood bedroom but with an ensuite bath.

“You didn’t have to put me in the guest room.”

“I figured the bathroom would give you some privacy. The layout will also work better for getting around in your wheelchair.”

“True.” Harlow hadn’t considered the fact navigating stairs might be tricky. Wheelchair accessible had taken on a whole new meaning. She was finally getting the hang of pushing herself off from the wheelchair and sliding onto the toilet seat. Same for the shower chair.

The first time she’d tried showering, she nearly face-planted on the bathroom floor. Vowing to manage on her own, it had taken her several tries to operate the adjustable showerhead. Which only solidified her resolve to get back on her feet ASAP.

“Thank you for showing up, for offering to let me stay here, not to mention ordering a scooter.” Harlow said the one thing that needed to be saidfrom the moment her father and Eryn arrived at the hospital. “I don’t deserve this. I’ve treated you horribly these past few years.”

“I love you. You’re my daughter.” Her father turned away, but not before Harlow noticed tears welling up in his eyes. “I’m glad you’re home, even if it is under less than ideal circumstances.”

Eryn reluctantly consulted her watch. “I need to head to work, to check in. I’ll be back later. Is there anything you need?”

“Coffee and I’m good to go,” Harlow quipped.

“Got it.” Eryn gave her a thumbs up. “What about you Pops Wynn? Is there anything I can get you?”

“No, but thank you for the offer. I have a few errands to run myself. I need to grab the mail and pick up a delivery.” He patted his pocket. “I’ll have my cell phone with me, Harlow. Give a jingle if you need anything.”

“I don’t think I will.” She stifled a yawn. “I’m going to rest for a bit.”

“I’ll help get you settled.” Eryn lingered in the doorway, watching Harlow’s father grab his keys off the table. Seconds later, the front door slammed. “When you’re ready, we’ll take a spin around the island for a trip down memory lane.”

“Maybe tomorrow. I need to use the bathroom and then if you could give me a hand to help me slide into bed.”

“Absolutely. Do you need help with navigating?”

Harlow ran a light hand over the wheelchair’s armrests. “The doorway seems wide enough. There’s room near the toilet for me to swing myself over without too much strain or pressure on my legs. I’ll holler if it doesn’t pan out.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

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