The concern on her face made him feel useless, helpless even. “I’m fine,” he barked. “Leave me.”
“You’re not fine,” she challenged, annoyance crossing her face. “I’m here to help when you’re ready.” She walked out.
He admired her a little for not placating him and shying away from the subject. It didn’t stop his defiance though. He was supposed to be bullet proof, better than everyone, stronger, faster, smarter, not this disabled, bitter man wishing he could see the whales. He massaged his leg, trying to soothe the pain away. It was getting worse, not better. Maybe he should have listened to the therapists all along and only worn the prosthetic leg for a few hours a day while he got used to it, but he hated to see his limb just sitting there.
His stump itched, but he couldn’t reach the spot with his pants and prosthesis on. He shifted again and scratched around the area, but it provided no relief.
Arthur gritted his teeth. Outside, the passengers were preparing to get into the water. After they were in, maybe he’d have time to strip and get to the itch. He counted down from one hundred, trying to ignore the prickly sensation as people took their time getting ready.
One of the crew members jumped into the water with a camera and the passengers followed. Finally.
His pant legs were too tight to pull up over his knee so he stripped them down below his knee and then worked to push off the prosthesis, being careful not to tip out the inevitable sweat. With the weight clunking to the floor, he stripped off the sock and liner and exposed his stump. The cool air was welcome and as he scratched, his eyes rolled back in his head. Sweet relief.
“Are you coming in?”
His eyes flew open at Gretchen’s voice. She watched him from the door, seeing him at his most vulnerable. “Get out!” His hands covered his stump and heat burned his cheeks. He might as well have been caught masturbating for the horror he felt.
Gretchen’s eyes widened, and she spun around. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Too late. His fingers fumbled with the liner. Damn thing wouldn’t unroll. “Go away.”
She stayed in the doorway, back facing him. “Do you want to go swimming?”
“No!” Why was it taking so damned long? He was more dexterous than this. Maybe he should just dive overboard and never surface. But that meant he still had to get to the edge of the boat.
“All right. I’ll stay here in case any of the crew want to come in. Take your time.”
His fingers stilled on the liner and he glanced up. Gretchen leaned against the door frame, facing away, guarding his vulnerability. His heart thumped uncomfortably in his chest. A protector. The tension lessened and he exhaled.
Beyond her, Sam approached. Gretchen put her hand out to stop him. “Wait a second.”
“I just need to grab my towel.”
She placed a hand against his chest and shifted from the door frame, stopping him. “Not yet. I’ll get it for you when Arthur’s finished.”
Sam glanced through the window and Arthur ducked his head, shifting his body so his left leg moved in front of his residual limb and his hand covered his stump.
“What’s he doing?”
“He’s adjusting his prosthesis.”
“So? I’ve seen his stump before.”
“No, Sam.” Her tone was firm. “He needs privacy.”
Silence for a moment and Arthur looked up to see the confusion on Sam’s face before he nodded. “I’ll be back later.” He strode away.
Arthur moved fast, replacing the liner liner, then the liner itself, the sock and finally the leg, before pulling up his pants again. Gretchen stood patiently, waiting. Bitterness welled at needing her protection. He was supposed to be the protector. He’d trained his whole life for that.
“I’m done.”
She turned and entered the room, picking up Sam’s towel. “I’m sorry for disturbing you.”
He nodded.
“Let me know when you’re ready to try swimming and maybe I can help.” She shifted, and wrapped her arms around her waist. “I’m studying occupational therapy, and I’ve got another exam and practicum before I qualify, but I know a few things.” She left the cabin.
Was she the person Sam and Amy had been thinking of when they’d said he’d have support up here?
