Gemma’s eyes widened. “I’d be a model patient.”
“I’m not worried about you. Unlike my hockey players, figure skaters are more patient.” Dr. Zhang chuckled. “They understand that recovery can’t be rushed.”
Her eyes darted over the side-by-side images of her bad hip and her healthy hip. It was amazing that something that looked like a stretched-out hair tie could affect her so much. Turning back to Dr. Zhang, she asked, “Which of the two options would you recommend for me?”
“You’re more physically active and have higher stress loads on the hip than the average person. Based on our chat, I’d recommend a surgical repair.”
Sensing her anxiety, he quickly added, “Take your time when you’re making a choice. Remember, you can always begin with the nonsurgical option and change your mind at a later date. However, if the surgery is something you decide to do, I’d highly recommend you consider doing it sooner rather than later.”
When Mel first gave me the news to take time off, two weeks felt like the end of the world, but now, I can understand that in the grand scheme of things, two weeks is nothing. There are so many different factors to consider. I don’t want to do all this hard work to rehab and injure myself again in the future. But I still don’t know about having surgery.
“Thank you, Dr. Zhang. I think I need a few days before I decide how I want to handle all this.”
“Of course. I don’t blame you.”
“When do you think I’ll be able to start skating again?”
“I’d like to see you off the ice another one to two weeks. Rest seems to be working well for you, but there is still a large amount of inflammation. Why don’t we schedule a follow-up right before you leave town?”
“Sure.”
Originally, Gemma hadn’t decided how long she would stay in town, but now that decision had been made for her. They agreed on a date and Gemma promised she’d let him know if any additional questions came to mind.
As she walked out the doors of Dr. Zhang’s office, she was faced with a harsh reality. She had hoped that the news would be positive, but her injury wasn’t just tendonitis. It was a torn ligament, and the only way to guarantee a fix was surgery.
Whatever my next step is going to be will decide my future. Where do I go from here?
Chapter 15
“You can just drop me off here,” Gemma said as the car entered the downtown area of Sequoia Valley.
She muttered a word of thanks as she climbed out, and her gaze locked onto the window of a shop filled with brightly-colored comic books and cardboard cutouts of superheroes. Before she knew exactly what she was doing, she’d entered The Caped Crusader’s Corner. A bell chimed.
“I’ll be right with you,” a man’s voice called out from behind a black curtain.
“Okay,” she replied.
Taking a moment to figure out what she’d say to the clerk, she glanced at her surroundings. The shop was definitely a place where Tim would feel at home. Each wall was covered in floor-to-ceiling shelving, but to Gemma’s surprise, there weren’t only comic books. There were also a number of rare vintage toys, stuffed animals, and DVDs, and a small coffee bar was set up in the corner. A handwritten sign indicated that drinks were free, but donations were appreciated.
“How curious,” she mumbled to herself as she felt something warm rubbing against her legs. Glancing downward, she spied a black-and-white tuxedo cat studying her with large yellow eyes. Its fur was long. Its tail wagged side to side, like an excited puppy.
“Hello?.?.?.” She glanced at the collar. “Ivy. That’s a very pretty name.” On cue, Ivy began to purr and butt her head against Gemma’s hand. “Aren’t you a friendly feline.”
“Ivy? How did you get in here?” said a man with salt-and-pepper hair, thin wire-rimmed glasses, and a blue striped shirt, his hands on his hips. Gemma stood and brushed the stray cat hairs off her jeans. “You’re supposed to be napping in the back, not exploring the front where you can knock things over.”
Blinking slowly, Ivy arched her back, scratched the carpet, and hopped up onto the glass counter next to the register. She tucked her paws in as if to say, “I know I’m not. But I’d like to see you try and get rid of me now that I’m here.”
The man sighed. “All my life I’ve been a dog man. Then, two years ago, I let my wife talk me into getting a cat and now Ivy runs our lives.” He absently scratched the cat’s head.
“She’s lovely.”
“She is. My wife and I can’t help but spoil her. She’s the daughter we never had.” Gemma and the man stared at Ivy for another moment before he turned his attention to her. “I’m sorry about not being here when you walked in. How can I help you today? Is there anything in particular you’re looking for?”
“I’m not sure. I saw the shop and thought it could help me take my mind off some things.” Gemma scratched her forehead. “The, uh, bloke I’m dating loves comics and said they’re the best way to escape the world. I think I’d like to see if I can find a series I’d be interested in reading. And maybe something special for him too.” She stared at the packed shelves. “I have no idea what he already owns, or where to even start.”
“I can try and offer you a little guidance.” The man adjusted his glasses. “I’m not as up to date with the new comics these days, but I’m well versed in the classics like Superman and the X-Men.”
“Your secret is safe with me.”
