"There are so many things to look forward to.You just have to know what you want, I guess.Do you want a particular kind of job?Do you want to meet someone?What do you want?"River asked Mitchell.
His head rolled back and forth on the couch cushion."That's the thing.I have no idea."
"You should come to Colorado.You can stay at my girl's inn and be immersed in the magic of the holidays."
"Maybe a vacation, getting out of this apartment, would be good for you," Ryan said.
"It would be a nice change of scenery," River added.
"You could stay at the inn or with me."I didn't mind hosting, and I'd love to have my friends come visit.
"The thought of packing—" Mitchell trailed off.
"In the meantime, you want to find a place you can workout?"Ryan asked, searching on his phone.
"I haven't bothered to join a gym."
Ryan nodded."Let's take a look at some now.See if you like one, and get you signed up.Your health insurance pays for it.”
We enjoyed physical exercise, especially when it wasn't at six in the morning for PT.Working out on our own terms was better.
We got changed into workout clothes and headed to the gym.We worked out, one of us sticking by Mitchell.I thought he was just lost and needed some direction.If one of us checked in on him, hopefully he'd be okay.His brother lived close by, so he had him and now us.
At the end of the work out, Ryan helped him sign up for a membership, and then we went back to Mitchell's to change for dinner.
The idea was to stay by Mitchell's side and give him some motivation to feel better.So we insisted on going out to dinner at a local sports bar.Afterward, we discussed staying in his apartment.I would have to sleep on the floor, but I was used to much worse conditions.And being there for my friend was worth it.
When we got home, Mitchell seemed a little better.But I was exhausted from traveling and worrying about my friend, I fell asleep without reaching for my phone.
The next morning, we made breakfast for everyone, and then researched veterans in the area that might be able to mentor Mitchell.
It was evening before I had a chance to shoot a quick text to Natasha.
Ford: Sorry I couldn't be at the parade.
It took a while for her response, and I was drifting off when my phone buzzed.
Natasha: Where were you?
Hadn't I told her I was leaving to help my friend?I searched through my text chain with her and saw the error message that the one I'd sent about leaving Colorado hadn't been delivered.
Ford: It looks like my previous text never went through.I had to help one of my friends in the army.He's having a tough time since he transitioned out.
Natasha: All I knew was that you didn't show up for the parade.
Ford: I'm sorry.I meant to tell you.When River called, I had to pack and look for flights.It was rushed.
It took a few minutes for the next text to come through from her.
Natasha: How's your friend doing?
Ford: He's feeling down, but we're helping him.Got him to go to a gym and workout.Then we took him to dinner.I'm staying at his place.
Ford: I said he should visit Christmas Town.That it lifts everyone's spirits.
When she didn't respond, I texted again.
Ford: How was the parade?
