To Laugh by Laura Scott

Author:Laura Scott [Scott, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Readscape Publishing, LLC

8

Jonas couldn’t erase the stunned expression on Emily Archer’s face when she saw Bella. He wasn’t a cop, but he wanted desperately to run a background check on the woman. Logically, he knew she must not have a criminal record or she wouldn’t be working at a VA hospital, but she’d still looked guilty.

Of having an affair with a married man?

Of sabotaging Bella’s brakes?

Or both?

He was glad to leave Bella in the clinic waiting room as he went to talk to the rehab doc. When the physician came in accompanied by a therapist holding his prosthesis, the fake leg that had the potential to provide a new level of freedom, his heart began to thud in alarm. He’d been told it would take time for him to learn how to walk with the new leg.

What if he couldn’t do this?

Dr. Harris examined him, pronounced him fit enough to use the prosthesis, and left him alone with Allan the physical therapist.

“This is called a transtibial prosthesis. It’s been custom fit for you and should fit like a glove. Ready to give it a try?” Allan asked with a grin. “I’m going to wrap your limb with an ACE wrap so we can check the fit here. After that, we’ll head over to the therapy gym to try standing and maybe taking a step or two.”

His gut knotted with tension, but he nodded. Allan went through the mechanics of how the prosthesis worked and how to attach it to his left leg. He went on to explain that the footwear could be exchanged for a sneaker, dress shoe, etc. for whatever occasion he needed.

Thinking of Jazz’s wedding made him realize he needed to get his dress shoes out of his storage locker. He supposed he’d also have to get a suit. He couldn’t wear his dress blues now that he’d been given a medical discharge from the Army.

“How does this feel?” Allan asked, looking up at him expectantly.

Truthfully, it felt awkward and strange, but he forced a smile. “Great.”

“Okay, I’m going to take it off now, and we’ll head over to the therapy gym. We like to start you off between the parallel bars.”

He hadn’t realized this appointment would take this long and wondered if he should tell Bella to leave for a while. The thought of her going off alone bothered him, so he held off.

For all he knew this could be a colossal failure.

The therapy gym was conveniently located around the corner from the clinic. When they were situated right in front of the parallel bars, Allan instructed him to put the prosthesis on.

Fumbling with the straps, Jonas realized he should have paid closer attention to what the therapist had done. He finally had it situated and blew out a breath. “I’m ready.”

“Good. Hold on to the parallel bars and stand up on your two feet. A big part of this is learning to balance on your new leg. Remember your knee works fine, you’ll just have to get used to how to walk using the new foot.

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