A Few Steps To Your Heart

Chapter 1

Georgia looked up at the big iron gate, unsure if she should have really done this, but they had reached out to her. Or rather, her parents had. They were old friends and had heard about her volunteer work. Besides, it seemed like they were out of options. But why did she agree? Yes, she enjoyed helping people who had lost their ability to take care of themselves or move around easily. She found joy in assisting others, and they had even offered to pay her so she could take care of their son for most of the day. The pay was good, and she reluctantly admitted that money had been a motivating factor. Her family didn't have much money, and neither did she. On the other hand, Gavin's family did. Their parents knew each other from high school, but Georgia and Gavin had never met. They were aware of each other's existence, but didn't know each other personally. Georgia checked the address she had scribbled down and confirmed that she was in the right place. However, it felt strange to have to ring a gate bell just to reach the house. It was a massive mansion where none of them lacked anything. When Georgia announced her name, the gate quickly opened, granting her access. She walked up to the house but didn't even get a chance to knock on the door before it swung open, revealing a smiling older woman in the doorway.

"Georgia?" she asked.

"That's me, Mrs. Hendricks."

"Oh, call me Martha," she said, and they shook hands. "I have been looking forward to meeting you. Your parents are very proud."

Georgia wondered if her parents could choose not to be proud, considering she was their only child. She hadn't done anything extraordinary in life. She had just landed a good job as an English teacher. And that was fine with her. She didn't want to be anything more than who she was. Georgia observed the grand entrance with awe, taking in the swirling staircase leading to the next floor and the beautiful chandelier hanging in the middle.

"Are you thirsty? Hungry?" Martha asked.

"Um, sure," she said. "Some water would be nice."

"It's hot, isn't it?" Martha remarked as they made their way to the kitchen. She fetched water for Georgia, who took a seat by the kitchen island and took a sip.

The house, however, remained cool. The warmth of the weather did not penetrate its walls.

"So, maybe you could explain a little bit about what I'm supposed to do here," Georgia said.

"Yes, of course."

But a somber expression replaced Martha's smile, indicating that everything that had happened had taken a toll on everyone involved.

"Maybe you could explain the accident to me," Georgia suggested.

"Yes... the accident..."

Martha clearly needed a moment, so Georgia offered her a small smile, took another sip of water, and patiently waited for her to speak.

"It was a raid," Martha began.

"He's a police officer, right?"

"A detective, yes... or he was."

"Something happened?"

"An explosion. He's lucky to even be alive, but it wasn't a large one. However, the impact and how he landed broke his back," Martha explained.

"He can't walk?" Georgia asked.

"The doctors said that with training, it might be possible again."

"That's good news."

"It would be if he would leave his room, go to the physical therapy, or even eat."

"Sorry?" Georgia asked.

"The doctors couldn't provide any guarantees. There's no promise that he will ever walk again, and he has slowly retreated into himself."

"I see..."

"He's afraid to hope for anything because it might not turn out the way he wants."

"I understand," Georgia empathized.

"I've tried everything. My husband doesn't know what to do. After the incident, I had him moved here, hired helpers, people to cheer him up, but he refuses to speak to anyone or do anything. He only allows Iren in there."

"And who is Iren?"

"The housekeeper."

"Oh, I see," Georgia acknowledged.

"When your parents reminded me of what you do, working with disabled people, cheering them up, and keeping them company, I thought it might be a good last attempt."

"You think I could make a difference? Why me?" Georgia questioned.

"Just the way your parents speak about what you do, and your experience."

"I'm sure the others you hired had experience too."

"But they were hired to do a job," Martha clarified. "You do this because you want to."

"So, am I not hired?" Georgia asked.

"You are, but I believe you come from a different place."

"You think it will make a difference?"

"I don't know, but I don't know what else to do."

"I understand."

There was a brief silence, and then Georgia refocused on her task. "So, what do you hope for me to achieve with him?"

"For now? Make him smile."

"I can try," Georgia said, a small smile spreading across her lips.

"Do you want me to introduce you now?"

"If you don't mind."

"I don't."

They left the kitchen and continued walking through the house. "He had a room upstairs, but after everything, we had another, bigger one made down here. We merged a few rooms together, so he has plenty of space to move around... if he would."

Georgia nodded, listening attentively without saying anything. Eventually, they stopped in front of a pair of double doors. Martha knocked and softly called Gavin's name, but there was no response.

"Gavin?" she called again.

Still nothing. Georgia turned to Martha, who gave her a small smile before opening the door and poking her head inside.

"Gavin, there's someone here to see you."