Hush, the doctor is here.

6. Memory gaps?

"We need to slowly build up your stamina again. See that tree over there, at the beginning of the park?"

"Yes."

I nodded while getting up from the wheelchair and grabbing hold of the crutches Brian handed me.

"Let's just start by walking over there and see how far we get from there. I'll walk beside you with the wheelchair so when you get tired you can rest."

Walking on the street was a lot harder than in my room or the hallways.
The floor there was smooth and besides Brian or Dr. Mitchell I still hadn't seen anyone else so it was unlikely for me to bump into someone.
Here I had to look out of where I placed my foot, the cast and the crutches so I didn't step on someone's toes or trip over the uneven ground.
By the time I got to the tree I was already tired, not just from the walking but from having to focus so hard.
My head started to hurt a little and I noticed my breathing was uneven.

"I think you need to sit for a bit. We'll try again in a bit."

Brian had me sit back in the wheelchair.
I expected him to take me back inside but instead he took me further into the park.
The further we got the less people we saw, but I didn't mind.
Sitting down for a bit helped me catch my breath again and with the calm surroundings my headache slowly faded away.

"Feeling better?"

Brian suddenly asked behind me.
His voice startled me a bit and for a split second I felt uneasy.
But just as fast as that feeling popped up it dissipated again.
It must have been because my mind was elsewhere.
There is no reason for me to be startled by Brian.
He's been nothing but sweet to me.

"Yes, resting for a bit was what I needed I guess. Can I try to walk some more now? I think I still have some energy left to burn."

I asked, trying to mask my sudden anxiety.

"Sure, just don't overdo it. By the end of next week we will probably remove the cast on your leg and start focusing a bit more on the muscle strength of your legs."

Brian held out his hand to help me get up.

"You'll be running in no time again."

No running or you'll be punished, doll.

A shiver ran down my back as I held Brian's hand, my eyes instantly fixed on the ground on instinct.
Next a feeling of fear crept up from the back of my mind.

"N-no... no running."

I mumbled softly under my breath while trying to suppress the uneasy feeling.

"What did you say?"

Brian asked surprised while he tilted my head up with his free hand.
His face wore a gentle smile but something felt off.
Or maybe it wasn't him but more this odd lingering feeling in the back of my mind that was messing with reality.
It was my fault for not speaking clearly and he must think that what I was saying was important for him to know, for my recovery.

"I don't think I'll be running anytime soon."

I chuckled softly, relieved the unsettling feeling faded away as quickly as it came.

"Right now I can hardly limp ten yards without feeling exhausted. Running seems like something that will be out of reach for quite some time."

Brian pulled me up to my feet and made sure I stood firmly.

"Don't worry gorgeous. With my good care these goals will be within reach before you know it. All you have to do is place your trust in me."

Brian gave me a soft nudge to get me to start walking again.