Farm Tag

Chapter 8. « Sonya. »

PDV - Reid

Sonya grabs my crutches. I've had time to regain the strength in my biceps and I'm shaking a lot less than last time. She notices with a dazzling smile.

"That's impressive."

I try to take one step in front of the other, but my legs only react every other time. A cold sweat passes over my temples.

"Relax, it's normal for your legs not to react. It'll take a little time. They're tired too."

True, but it's still impressive to order a limb to move and for it not to do so. I continue to walk reluctantly on the carpet, my heart trembling every time my legs don't perform.

"Let's stop here, there's no point in torturing yourself. You have to work psychologically before continuing physically."

I turn my head towards the teenager, her veil of hatred disappears immediately.

"Go on, I'll wait for you in the car. I'm going to study a bit."

Sonya hands me my crutches. Her soft, manicured hand reaches behind my back and invites me into her office. I sit in front of her.

"Can we talk friend to friend?"

"Yes, of course."

She smiles at me, clasping her hands together on her desk.

"First of all, is this a sensitive subject or can we talk about it?"

"Both."

"I see. We're not going to bring up bad memories from the past, but I just want you to imagine how your legs feel. Feel the fabric of your pants touching your skin, the blood running through your thighs and shins."

I shiver slightly as I feel my leg tremble.

"It's very good, you can see it's still reacting. Imagine that your leg is the same as it was before the incident, perfectly muscled. Imagine you're running through the village, you can see your muscles protruding over your shins when you put your weight on them."

I clench my fists as I feel my legs contract, she stands up and kneels in front of me.

"It's normal for it to hurt, just hold on. You should repeat this exercise several times at home. If you can't immerse yourself in hypnosis, ask someone else to do it, or call me and I'll help you over the phone."

She takes my phone from the table and slips her business card into my case.

"Is there anything else you'd like to talk about?"

"When will I be able to walk again?"

"It all depends on how your body reacts to the exercises."

"Will I be able to go back to the army when it's all over?"

She smiles.

"There's no reason why not. If you follow my advice, you'll be able to run again as if nothing had happened."

The hope I forced to fade is awakening again.

"What else can I do to recover quickly?"

"Do the exercises. But don't push your muscles too hard either, the cramps could hurt a lot. That's why I'd rather you call me than overdo it."

"Okay."

Her gaze lingers on the chain around my neck and my fingers on my thighs.

"We're going to remove the splints. I think it'll help you psychologically to see that your legs are still there."