Stone Walls by Kate Sweeney

Author:Kate Sweeney [Sweeney, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B008GF3SR8
Publisher: Intaglio Publications
Published: 2012-06-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Tyler walked a little bit farther every day. Jean, Hank, and Rachel would encourage her and move the tape mark on the floor farther each day. By mid-May, Tyler was using a walker more than the wheelchair.

She and Rachel would go for slow walks. Tyler would stop and grimace, and Rachel would quickly put an arm around her waist. Tyler would take the opportunity to lean over and kiss her. Rachel fell for it every time.

One day they were walking, and Tyler tried it again. Rachel grinned and rolled her eyes. “You child,” she insisted as she walked up to her and grabbed her face between her hands and kissed her deeply. “Let’s cut out the middleman.”

This time, Tyler was not playing around as Rachel saw the pain in her eyes.

*******

“How many times do I have to tell you not to...?”

“Do too much. I know, I know, Nag Whitaker,” Tyler grumbled as she lay on her stomach.

“Very funny. The ice man cometh.” Rachel did not give her usual warning when the icy cold bags were ready. She just placed them on her back, and Tyler screamed.

“Damn it, you did that on purpose,” she barked.

“I’m sorry. Did you bellow something?”

Twenty minutes and a few more arguments later, the ice was off, and Tyler was sitting up stretching her back.

“You two argue like a married couple.” Jean stood in the doorway of Tyler’s bedroom. “Well, I can see you two are fine, so I’ll say good night. I’ll be back in the morning. By the way. Tyler, since when are you sleeping in boxers? And, Rachel? Don’t you sleep in your bed anymore? Well, good night,” Jean said lightly and walked down the hall, leaving Tyler and Rachel gaping at her retreating figure.

They looked at each other and blinked, then burst into laughter like two little kids.

*******

The next day, Rachel drove Tyler to the neurosurgeon. The doctor poked and prodded as Tyler lay on the examining table. He then clipped the x-ray into place and flipped on the light.

He and Rachel examined the back x-ray. “Good. No swelling, and your muscle tone is excellent. I would say between you both, you’ve done a good job. Okay. Up with you.”

Tyler sat up and swung her legs around. Dr. Lindsey checked her reflexes, her joints, and muscles. “Perfect. I’m amazed. Well, it helped you were in top shape when it happened. Using the walker?”

“Yes.” Tyler buttoned her shirt, and Rachel winked.

“How about the cane?”

“Not yet.”

“Start.” He scribbled down a prescription. “The more you do, the better you’ll feel. But don’t overdo it.”

“Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever been told that one.” Tyler finished buttoning her shirt. She avoided Rachel’s glare completely.

“Okay. That’s about it. Come back in a few months. I’d say you’re doing fine.”

“Uh, Dr. Lindsey…” Rachel started and put a hand to her neck. Tyler watched her; she always did that when she was embarrassed. She gave Rachel a curious look.

“How…um…how good is her back? I mean, how…um…how much can she do?” she asked professionally.

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