Page 59 of More Than a Hero
Angie exhaled slowly, shaking her head. “I know both of those options are expensive. The injections are cheaper since I can do them at home, but I can’t imagine going to the hospital every month for a four-hour infusion.”
Dr. Ketz’s expression softened. “I understand. It does sound daunting, and yes, intrusive. But our goal is to prevent as much damage to your joints as possible.”
Angie nodded, understanding the necessity, even though she resented the reality. She hated the idea of relying on medication just to function.
“You also need to ensure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and trying to reduce stress.”
Angie snorted before she could stop herself, then blushed. “I’m sorry, Dr. Ketz. But I’m not sure reducing stress is an option for any of us. And I’m not just talking about me. It seems like everyone is under stress.”
Dr. Ketz laughed, nodding in agreement. “I know. I have the same conversation with all of my patients. There’s no way we can live completely stress-free lives.”
“I doubt even if we moved to a mountaintop in Tibet and lived with peaceful monks that we’d be able to do that.”
Dr. Ketz’s shoulders shook with laughter. “You might be right. But sleep is important—it allows your body to heal as much as possible.”
They continued talking for several more minutes before Angie climbed onto the examination table. Dr. Ketz carefully examined her joints, taking extra care with her left knee, manipulating it gently but thoroughly. After more consultation, Angie met with the nurse practitioner, who placed the order for her injectable medication.
“Many of our patients prefer injecting into their thigh," the nurse explained. "But some prefer the stomach since there’s a little more fat under the skin, making it less painful.”
Angie wrinkled her nose, then sighed. "Okay, let’s try the stomach."
She lifted her shirt slightly, and the nurse pinched her lower abdomen, then pressed the injector firmly. Angie braced herself,but the sting was minor—nothing compared to the deep aches she lived with daily. The nurse counted to ten before pulling the device away, leaving only a tiny red mark on Angie’s skin.
“Whew,” Angie breathed, inspecting the spot. “Not too bad. I can do that.”
“This particular medication is only administered every other week. Once you receive it in the mail, keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.”
Angie nodded, absorbing the information as she finished up at the office. When she finally stepped outside, the sun was shining, the sky a brilliant blue, but she couldn’t shake the lingering unease. Even the warmth on her skin couldn’t dissolve the uncertainty gnawing at her.
She sucked in a deep breath, walking toward her car, giving herself a pep talk.A lot of people have it worse than this. You can do it. One little shot every other week. Stop acting like a wimp?—
“Do you always talk to yourself when you leave the doctor’s office?”
She jumped, her heart stuttering in her chest. Lifting her gaze, she spotted an SUV parked beside her car. Leaning casually against it, arms crossed, was Pete. The day suddenly felt a little brighter.
“Hey!” she said, her lips curving into a surprised smile. “What are you doing here?”
He shrugged, pushing away from the car. “You mentioned you had a doctor’s appointment today. I thought I’d stop by and see how you were.”
Reaching out, he caught her hand, his fingers warm and steady as they intertwined with hers. Without resistance, she let him pull her closer, his strength grounding her. When she leaned into him, he wrapped his arms around her, and she melted against his chest, closing her eyes.
The world still spun with uncertainties, but at this moment, she felt calm. Stronger. Whole.
25
Pete relished the feeling of Angie in his arms. She was a woman who carried herself with confidence, her laughter bright and full of life. But seeing her step out of the doctor’s office, shoulders weighed down by frustration, her usual spark dimmed—it gutted him.
As she neared, he almost smiled, catching the way she seemed to be giving herself a pep talk under her breath. But there was no humor in it for him. He didn’t want her to feel like she had to pick herself up. He wanted to be the one to hold her steady. To remind her she wasn’t alone.
Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her in tight. She hesitated for just a second, then melted into his embrace, her warmth pressing against him. And when she finally looked up at him with a small smile, something in his chest eased.
That smile meant everything. "Looks like you’ve had a crappy day," he said, keeping his voice light, though he still felt the tension in her body. "How about I take you out for dinner?"
Before she could answer, the muffled chime of her phone sounded from her purse. She sighed and reached in, pulling it out. As soon as she glanced at the screen, her expression softened. "Oh, it’s my mom."
"Take the call, sweetheart," Pete said easily. He didn’t want her to ignore her family just because she was with him.
Her face brightened as she answered. "Hey, Mom."
