Page 41 of Pretty Thing

Kris’s eyes light up, and I know she is thinking the same thing that I am.

“Did you play hockey?”

“No, it cost too much money. But I went to some of the games, so that might be where you saw me,” Felix says casually.

By the tenth question, I jump in, cutting off Kris’s investigation and changing topics.

Only then does Felix brush my leg with his fingers. When I look up at him, there is a faint smile on his lips as if he’s thanking me for saving him.

At least I can save someone.

eleven

​. . .​

Eden

The second day of physio is no better than the first. Kris offered to pick me up and drop me off this morning, but Felix got really worked up when Kyle said he’d grab me afterward. Felix finally backed down after I insisted that Kyle could do it.

I get that he wants to help, but they are my best friends.

Dinner went fine, but there was this layer of heaviness that never lifted and Felix didn’t speak much after Kris and Kyle left last night.

Felix is protective and feels a sense of responsibility to me. I get that, but right now I can use all the help I can get. Still…there is an edge to him. A tension that leaves me breathless and a little confused.

“You did really well today, Eden,” Jonathan says with a smile.

“Thanks,” I say, slowly zipping up the new hoodie Felix gave me last night.

“Here are some diagrams of the exercises we’ve been practicing, and this is the new one we added today. Do the first half of the sheet in the morning and the second half in the afternoon just to break up the day and keep you from pushing too hard. See you in a couple days.”

“Thanks again.”

Knock.

Knock.

I look up at the open door, and Kyle is leaning against the jamb with his normal goofy smile.

“Someone call for a ride?”

“Hey. I could’ve met you in reception.”

“Sure, but then how do I look like the big strong guy helping his poor injured friend? I need to get brownie points here,” he says, and I roll my eyes.

I reach for my crutch and wince. Kyle walks in and grabs it. He hands it over before moving to my other side and putting his arm loosely around my waist, just in case.

“I hate this,” I state flatly.

“I know, but at least you’re going to be okay.”

Sucking in a deep breath, I look up at him.

“Yeah, I know. I got off easy as far as injuries go. I guess it’s just everything else that makes it feel so much worse.”

We make the slow trek out to Kyle’s red truck. It’s one of those small ones that looks more like a toy, but he loves it like a child. When he first got it, I teased him relentlessly. Now, the joke is on me because it is the perfect height for me to climb inside.

Kyle gets in the driver’s seat and my phone rings. It’s the funeral home. I don’t want to answer, but decisions need to be made for my parents’ funeral.