Page 52 of Heal For Me

Jethro groans and I giggle, but the girl simply stares at us. After a minute, Jethro lowers his hand when she doesn’t take it and the room grows awkward.

It didn’t occur where we are, and like me, Abby probably has some . . . issues and maybe being greeted with new faces is overwhelming for her. I guess Uncle Jet got the same idea because he pushes me toward my bed, allowing her to have her own space.

She doesn’t look much older than me, maybe a few years. She’s pretty, and obviously talented. I can’t help but be curious what landed her in here. I suppose since we are roommates, that stuff will eventually come out.

In public, people walk around with all kinds of stories and nobody wonders about them, but in here . . . it’s safe to assume everyone has a traumatic background. I know Uncle Jet said this could be a place people come for a break, and while that might be true, there has to be a reason they chose this place. Other than the stunning facility, there are several amazing opportunities for proper care.

While we chat amongst ourselves, I notice Jethro looking over my shoulder quite often. I can hear her moving around, but I don’t know why he is watching her. There is a look I don’t recognize in his eye, almost like confusion but it doesn’t make sense. He never pays attention to anyone that’s not important to him. I suppose he is studying her, getting a read on her with his weird stalker vibes to see if she will be a good roommate or not.

My bags get delivered, and Janelle and Jethro assist in unpacking for me. Janelle takes the clothes area, and Jethro makes my bed with my new quilt. A small part of home. I also packed a few photos from my wall that he lays on my table, promising he will get me frames.

When done, they shove my bags into the bottom of the closet and we take a step back to appreciate my small space. It might be small, but it’s comforting.

That’s all I could ask for.

Dinner time rolls around, so we head down to eat. I’m not overly hungry; my stomach is still in knots. I don’t get bad vibes from this place, but it’s new, and me and new don’t exactly get along all that often. Todd has hardly gotten to relax all day because I’m so anxious—poor pup. Alan mentioned there is a dog area where they can just run and play. I guess Todd isn’t the first service animal to accompany a patient.

There are way more people here than I expected, even for the size of the building. The entire time we were walking around, we only saw a couple handfuls, but there are at least a hundred people who aren’t in scrubs, so I know they are patients or family of patients.

“Holy shit,” Janelle comments after seeing everyone. “I wonder if there are any hot guys here.”

“Janelle,” I hiss. “These people aren’t here to be hit on.” At least I’m not.

“You never know. This could be the best meet-cute. Like a rom-com.”

“Or a dateline story,” Uncle Jet mutters.

Janelle giggles. “Maybe. If you would just date me, then I wouldn’t have to risk it.”

He rolls his eyes. “Let’s get in line before she gets kicked out and I suggest not letting her visit on the weekends.”

Janelle and I fall into an easy laughter as we head for the line. It moves quickly, even with all the people, so we are in and out within ten minutes—that’s nice.

It’s only gotten hotter outside, but the umbrella on the tables creates a nice shade so it’s not terrible. We could have eaten inside but chose to eat out here.

“This might be the best hospital food I’ve ever had,” Janelle says with a mouthful of her chicken sandwich.

“I don’t think I’d even class it as hospital food.” My salad is nice and crispy, and the chicken is actually hot. The sauce tastes homemade as well, but I’m just not overly hungry. There were like ten options on the board we ordered from, and walking by the other tables, I saw most of them, and they looked equally amazing. “Todd seems to be enjoying his too.”

The workers provided me with a dog-friendly dinner and assured me they would be happy to make his meals every day. This place is almost too good to be true. I wonder what drove the Ludgate’s to open a place like this. Several places, according to Alan.

After Janelle and Jethro finish their food, we clean our space, and instead of heading to my room, we go for a walk down the walking path to let Todd get some exercise. Alan mentioned it leads around the property and would be a good place for walks with Todd. I can’t do anything strenuous just yet, so this will do for now. It’s even shaded to keep it cool on his paws. I’m not avoiding going to my room, but I’m not ready to be alone yet, and I know they will leave once we go back. Jethro has to get checked into his hotel, and Janelle has class tomorrow.

“This would be a nice running path, if I could run.”

“You’ll be able to soon.” He rests a heavy hand on my shoulder. “Until then, walks are good. It will be good for you and Todd to get fresh air.”

In other words, don’t stay locked in your room. I wouldn’t have, anyway; this place is too beautiful not to fully experience it. I’m eager to get onto the court, but for now, the pool will be nice. I’ve never had a pool, but Janelle does, and we used to spend most of our summers there when we weren’t at their cabin. Her mom used to tell us we would turn into fish if we spent any more time in the water.

“Have you spoke to Ronni at all?”

I shake my head. “No, she texted me when I woke up, but I haven’t heard from her since.”

Janelle blows out an annoyed breath and mutters something I don’t understand.

“Have you?”

“Nope.”

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