Our Hope

36 - Hope

Cole, Cole's mom, Hope, and her parents continued walking to the physical therapist's office.

Hope's dad said, "Dr. Antonia your physical therapist is one of best in her field. I already called her and gave the details of our unique situation."

The building next door was four stories high. When they entered, Hope halted to take in the view. They designed it similar to a luxury hotel. The entryway was four stories high with glass ceilings. Many tall trees that reached the top. She inspected the leaves on the first one and saw it was a maple, the second an oak, and the third an elm. There were nine trees total, three by three, with a large water fountain in the center and smaller fountains lined the outside. The air was thick, and the aroma reminded her of the beach, but she could not pinpoint why. There was no sand. The sunlight lit the room, but she noticed a grand golden chandelier in the middle.

Cole ran and leapt onto a couch, put his feet up, and laid down. He exhaled with pleasure and said, "Oh man. I am never getting up. These are the most comfortable couches in the world."

Hope thumbed the couch material and it felt velvety. She said, "These are soft white leather." She tried to inspect the entire facility when a voice called to her.

"Good afternoon, Miss Anderson, we have been waiting for you," a handsome young male receptionist said from the large oak desk in the middle. He had short brown hair and brown eyes, with a faint goatee. He wore a black suit with a white shirt and a light gray tie. He also had polished black shoes.

He had spoken directly to her even though they had never met. "Good afternoon. I'm here to see..."

"Dr. Antonia," he said. "Follow me. I will take you to her. Dr. Antonia is right there." He nodded at a tall, muscular woman standing in a pool, waving at her.

"Can they come with me?" She motioned toward her entourage.

He continued, "They can sit and watch through the glass. Dr. Antonia requests audio privacy to protect her secrets and for her patient's dignity. She is the best for a reason. There will be screaming."

She signaled to her family she was leaving.

"Good luck," her mom yelled.

Hope hopped cautiously and faced Dr. Antonia. She wore a light blue hair cap that covered her black curly hair, she also had brown hair and brown eyes. She wore a dark blue swimsuit that appeared to be from the female Olympic swim team. That would help explain her physique.

"Please get changed in that dressing room." She directed Hope to the room behind her.

"No problem."

She dressed hurriedly and returned to the pool.

"Get in, please."

She realized it was saltwater. That is why she thought she was at the beach. When she climbed in, Dr. Antonia assisted her. She was apprehensive that the water might be cold, but it was warmer than room temperature with jets weakly circulating the chest-high water throughout the pool. It felt refreshing.

"My name is Evelyn. You can call me Eve." She reached over and shook her hand. "I am a big fan of The Mars Prep shows and I have been rooting for you and Cole. It devastated me when I found out about your injury, and I am honored that you chose me to help you."

"Thank you for your kind words. I am always surprised at how many people watch a bunch of kids in school."

"It's so much more than that with your camera showing it from your point of view. It's like we're there with you and get to live out our dreams too. Also like you, I am the best at what I do, and I will prepare you to win the final event in two weeks. It's a shame we do not have more time."