Page 31 of Opening Strain

“I get it.” I push away from the bookcase. “I don’t want to take up more of your time. I’ll hit the arcade and see you back here in a few hours.”

“Enjoy.”

I don’t push my luck, rather slip out of her office, the workout room, and take the back elevator to the street. Jenna’s filled with mysteries. The more I unpack, the more I enjoy spending time with her.

I stop at the arcade store and play a couple of games of Asteroids Deluxe. By a “couple,” I mean like twenty. My name—rather, “Benjamin Howell”—now sits in the top nine. The scores ahead of me are fierce. I’ll get there. I still have a good week before UC needsme.

At six, I return to the clinic where Jenna leads me through more exercises. She keeps adding repetitions or weights or seconds to holds, so my body continues to improve. If by improving it means not screaming in pain, that is.

She puts the medicine ball away. “You did good tonight. Hop up on the exam table and I’ll get you an ice pack. You’re going to need to elevate your leg as much as possible at home.”

I salute her. “What’s in store for me tomorrow?”

A devious grin crosses her face. “Remember the exercise you tried with the towel on the floor?”

I run my hand through my hair. “Yeah.”

“You’re going to do it for real tomorrow. If these were normal circumstances, I’d have you hold off for a good week but?—”

“These are anything but ‘normal circumstances,’” I finish for her, forcing my heartbeat to not explode from my chest. That exercise fucking hurt. If Jenna thinks I’m ready for it though, I’ll do my best.For her.

Correction: For. Me.

“True. We need to work on your lateral movements. Onstage, you don’t walk in a straight line when you’re performing.”

I extend my fist. “Thanks.”

She bumps it, then retreats into her office. I force my attention to the ice pack, blanking my mind. I don’t need to dwell on the interesting woman making the injury I brought on myself go away. At least, making it lessen.

Shortly, the whisper of a new song echoes in my mind. The lyrics are about seeking help from unlikely sources. I snort. This couldn’t be any more unlikely.

I grab my phone and open the notes app, then put down my thoughts. Perhaps one of these lines will make it into a song I’ll present to UC. Maybe.

The connecting door opens and Jenna reenters the room. “Let me take the ice, and you’ll be free to go for the evening.”

I pass her the pack and fix my grey sweats. I probablyshould wear shorts tomorrow so the ice will have direct contact. I move my hands next to my hips and swivel to get off the table. Not as painful as the first time, for sure.

“Are you leaving too?”

She nods in agreement. “Let me get my bag and I’ll walk you out.”

“Take your time.” My words are to her retreating back, and by the time I make it to the elevator, she’s already there.

“You may not feel it, but I can see your progress, Bennett. Keep focusing on your recovery.”

“Not like I have much else to keep me occupied.”

“Well, you’re not wrong. Aroostook in the late winter is anything but a bustling metropolis. Focus, and you’ll be ready to go in no time.”

“Meaning a little over a week.” The kickoff of UC’s tour looms above us both. “Do you think,” I cough. “Are there any moves you could teach me to hide my injury from the public when I’m performing?”

“Why don’t you want people to know? It’s not like a major injury or anything.”

“I know. It’s a stupid one. And after we lost Darren, I don’t want to cast a shadow over the band.”

She’s quiet as she takes in my words. “Want a lift?” She stands next to her white Lexus SUV.

“I’d love one, thanks.”

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