What the Future as for Us

Chapter 55 - REALITY

A.N

Hiiii, the Max's POV are back !! Here is a little sweet filler, I hope you'll like the calm after the storm.

Anyway, how are you guys doing ?

I tried to write a few chapters in advance for this week because I'll be away for 10 days but I'm not sure I can write enough to cover my absence. so there will probably be a little delay... sorry

Byyee, M

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... DECEMBER...

Maxine's POV

I've been awake for a few days now. According to the doctors, I'm healing remarkably fast. They keep telling me how lucky I am, how well I'm doing. But I don't feel lucky, and I certainly don't feel well. My throat still burns from the tubes they removed, leaving an uncomfortable rawness that seems to worsen whenever I try to speak. My body still has bruises everywhere and I can't move an inch without feeling a jolt of pain somewhere—my legs, my ribs, my back. And then there's the constant pounding in my head, never leaving me alone.

Today is my third session of reéducation with the physiotherapist. It's so frustrating to know exactly how to do something but not being able to do it ! Like, it's just walking, I know how to do that, I learned that when I was a baby, how can someone forget how to walk ! My muscles refuse to cooperate, my legs feeling like they belong to someone else entirely.

I'm lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, when the nurse comes in to check my vitals. She's kind, with a gentle smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes, and I can tell she's trying to be encouraging.

"How are you feeling today, Maxine?" she asks

I force a smile, though it feels more like a grimace. "Better," I lied. It still hurts to talk, but I don't want to worry her. She nods, making a note on her clipboard before leaving me alone with my thoughts, again.

My family has been visiting me everyday, they should come after the session today. And then there is Renee, this girl, I really don't know what she sees in me. She's been so nice, so comforting since the beginning. I don't remember her but my family seems to know her well, she's been telling me stories, showing me pictures of us and I don't know what it is with her but I believe it, I believe everything she's telling me. Actually I think she's been brightening up my days since I've been awake.

A few minutes later, the physiotherapist arrives. His name is Daniel, a tall man with kind eyes and a reassuring smile. He's been patient with me, encouraging without pushing too hard and I truly appreciate him even if I don't understand how he can bare my bad mood everyday.

"Ready for today's session, Maxine?" he asks, his voice cheerful but firm.

"Do I have a choice?" I try to joke, but the effort makes my throat ache, and I wince.

Daniel laughs softly. "Not really," he says.

He helps me sit up, and the room spins for a moment, my vision blurring at the edges. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

"We'll start with some simple exercises today," Daniel explains, his voice calm and encouraging. "Just focus on moving your legs. We're not trying to run a marathon, just small, steady steps."

He guides my legs off the bed, and I feel a sharp pain shoot up my spine, making me gasp. Daniel's grip tightens slightly, steadying me. "Easy, Max. Take your time."

I close my eyes for a moment, focusing on my breathing, trying to push through the pain. Slowly, with Daniel's help, I manage to get my feet on the floor. We did a lot of painful exercises, mostly stretching.