Chapter thirty-one
Miguel
Ugly History, Bright Future
Laneydisappearsdownthehallway and my mother comes to my side. I don’t know where to focus because all I want to do is jump out of this bed and run after the woman I love.
"Mr. Garcia, I’m Dr. Collins, the attending doctor on the floor today."
"Nice to meet you." I say absently, still staring out the door.
"So, the MRI confirms a herniated, or slipped, disc. But it’s pretty mild."
"Okay."
"Your chart says no narcotics or opioids?"
"Right." The word cuts out of me. I know my history is marked in my chart. I know he knows. And I don’t need another person judging me for past mistakes. I’ve already lost the woman I love because of it, I’m not sure I can handle any more derision today.
"Okay then, heat for 20 minutes followed by ice for 20 minutes and whatever over the counter pain reliever you want. Plenty of rest and then a follow up with an orthopedic specialist when you can get in. I’ll make a call to try and get you a priority appointment."
"Thanks."
"Alright then, take your recovery seriously and there shouldn’t be any long term issues. The nurse will be in to get everything finalized but it was nice to meet you."
"Thanks Dr. Collins."
He pulls the curtain closed as he walks out. Cutting off my view of the last spot I saw Laney before she turned the corner.
"Cariño." I turn to look at my mom. Concern is painted across her features. "What happened?"
"I jumped in front of Laney’s bike."
"Why on earth would you do that?" My mother asks as she makes herself comfortable in the chair next to my bed.
"Because she was going to leave."
"Was she?"
"Yes. She was literally biking away from me. Just like now, when she walked out of here. She’s gone."
A tear leaks from the corner of my eye. I tried to do everything right.
I took a risk, changed my routine to train Laney and it turned into the biggest reward of my life.
I had Laney.
In my arms.
In my heart.
And I thought I was in hers.
But all it took was her seeing the real me for her to run.
Recovery taught me how my actions had impacted others. When I was in the thick of it, I only cared about relieving my pain.
But now, Laney is feeling pain. Because of me.
