When I catch up, we continue side by side. It’s bitterly cold, but that means there’s less people on the track, which I prefer. I enjoy the quiet while I run, just the thump of my feet hitting the dirt and my heartbeat in my ears.
“How often do you run?” she asks, her cheeks and nose pink.
“A few times a week, but I prefer weights. Running is more to reset my brain. I’ve been here a lot more since I went on leave.”
She eyes me. “Are you ever gonna tell me why that is?”
I suppose I might as well. I’ll wait until the new year to tell Ella, because no doubt she’ll try to talk me out of it, but maybe it’ll be good to get Monty’s opinion.
“I’m retiring,” I say. “I took the time off to think about it.”
She pauses, hands on her hips, panting. “Really?”
I stop, too. “Yep.”
Tipping her head back, she looks up at the thick canopy, bursts of sunlight touching her skin. Her blonde ponytail swings in the gentle breeze, eyelashes fluttering as she closes her eyes as if to drink in what little warmth the sun’s rays offer.
I watch her, a little enraptured by the moment, my heart rate remaining fast despite standing totally still. She looks more angelic than she ever has, almost glowing in the morning light, and when the trees move and a flurry of leaves cascade down, she opens her eyes and smiles.
Golden and bronze leaves dance around her, touching her cheeks and her now-outstretched hands, and for a second, I allow myself the thought of kissing her.
It’s stolen, and one I’ll never admit to, but it’s such a vibrant image in my mind that I get lost in it. I get lost in her.
She’s so carefree, like one of those leaves on an errant breeze, here and gone in a moment, and my chest suddenly aches for that freedom.
Maybe it aches a little for her, too.
My life has been routine, a solid structure to ensure Ella was happy and safe. I’ll never regret making those choices for her, but now that I’m alone, I’m granted a view into life on my terms. I want to claw myself free from the restraints I’ve bound myself in, I want to wake up with no idea what my day will bring, but knowing it’ll be busy and grant me stories to tell.
When I pull myself from my daydream, Monty is watching me with a small smile.
“I think retiring is a great idea,” she says. “But can I still call you Chief?”
I breathe out a laugh. “I have a feeling even I said no, you still would.”
“Absolutely.”
We continue our run, and when we’re breathless and sweating, we head back to the car. “What’s your plan, then?” Monty asks. “Once you’re retired?”
I take my car keys out. “Get some land near Ella. I’m thinking of getting some horses.”
“Really? I used to love riding as a kid. I had a horse called Marshmallow and he hated me. He hated everyone, actually.” She laughs, a real laugh, musical and free. “One time—” She stumbles, squeaks, and I catch her before she hits the floor.
“You okay?” I ask. Her sneaker is half off and she nods, but when she puts weight on her foot, she hisses. “Did you twist it?”
“Maybe. Shit, it really hurts.”
“Come here.” I sweep her up, and despite the obvious pain, she lets out a cheer. I laugh, and she wraps her arms around my neck.
“Now this is romantic,” she says. “I think I should only travel like this from now on.”
Opening the passenger door, I sit her down and crouch. She lets out a small whimper as I slip off her sneaker and sock. Her ankle is already swelling.
“Is it broken?” she whispers.
“I don’t think so. Just a nasty sprain. We should go to the ER to get it checked.”
As I stand, she puts on her seatbelt. There are spots of mud on her cheek, and without thinking, I lick my thumb and start wiping them away.
