Casey
Iwalk my patient to the door and say goodbye, reassuring him about the progress he’s making in his physio sessions. He walks away with his wife, leaning on his crutch, as I check my schedule for my next patient.
“O’Connor,” I say, the breath leaving my body.
I slowly lift my gaze, not knowing what to expect, and Ryan’s cheeky smile flashes back at me.
“You’re not my next patient,” I say, crossing my arms.
“What’s written on your schedule?”
“Ryan…”
“I have an appointment.”
“And I’m pretty sure I know who booked it for you.”
He shrugs. “I have friends in high places at this hospital. I managed to get myself onto the very long waiting list of the best physiotherapist in the business.”
“Flattery won’t get you anywhere.”
“I can try.”
I sigh, stepping aside to let him into my treatment room. He perches on the bed and waits for me to say something.
“So, Mr O’Connor,” I say, defeated. “What seems to be the problem?”
Ryan smiles sadly. “My brother.”
“How did I guess?” I say, grabbing a stool and sitting down in front of him.
“He needs somebody to help get his life back on track.”
“There’s nothing wrong with him.”
“Oh, Casey. Everything is wrong with him. And there’s no one else who can help him get back on his feet. No one except you.”
I shake my head, looking away.
“I imagine he told you something.”
“He told me everything, Ryan. He actually threw them all into my face.”
“Did he tell you about Lauren?”
I nod.
“I’m glad he did.”
“I can’t believe that he…”
“It was a mistake. A huge one. But he didn’t mean it.”
“Sure.”
“I’m serious. I was so angry with him for years. I hated him… I wanted him dead.”
“I can understand that.”
