Dislocated shoulder
A hairline fracture in my pelvis
Severe Concussion
Torn ligament in my left knee
Multiple contusions and lacerations
A spinal compression fracture (they say is small)
A hell of a lot of bruised pride
It could have been worse. It should have been worse. But it’s still enough to knock me out of commission for weeks, maybe months.
And I won’t lie—I’ve never even imagined a person could be in so much pain.
The pain meds help, but I’m cautious. Too cautious, maybe. I don’t like the way they make my head foggy. The way they take the edge off more than just the pain.
Gina calls later that afternoon.
“How’s our star athlete?” she asks, managing warmth and sarcasm in equal measure.
“Still as broken as yesterday, but I managed to drink through a straw by myself today. Impressive, huh?”
“Your ego and your body are in a race to recovery?”
“I’m putting my money on the body, right now,” I say.
We talk about logistics. The firm. The board. The press. She’s managed to keep everything quiet so far, sticking to the script of “minor injuries” and “extended personal leave.”
