Reflected in Me

By Erica Neilsen

Robert

After six weeks in a coma the woman I love has woken up. Just one problem. Meghan has no memory of me. At all. It has now become my number one priority to take care of her, help her recover, and make her remember me and our love. But when a woman from my past comes back and starts causing trouble, will Meghan be able to handle it? Will she give me a chance to prove myself again?

Meghan

Apparently I’ve been in a coma for the last six weeks, following a car accident. I woke up to an attractive man that I don’t know, but he seems familiar. Everyone is saying he’s my boyfriend and we were very much in love. The idea that I allowed myself to fall in love was surprising to me. He’s good to me and completely devoted, but when memories of him start to return, some of them don’t paint him in the best light. Some of them are painful. He can’t remember for me. This is something I have to do. Can I trust him long enough for my memories to show the truth? Can I find the answers that I know are reflected in me?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erica Neilsen
• Release date: Feb 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310458637

Erica Neilsen

Erica Neilsen is the independent author of Reflected in You; book one of The Reflection Series. She has lived most of her life in Iowa, where she still resides. When she’s not writing, Erica works at a retirement community. Erica is an avid reader, reading hundreds of book yearly. She loves football, soap operas, margaritas, and white wine.

Book preview

This one goes out to my margarita girls- Julie Halbur, Libby Clark, and Ashley Hoogland.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Prologue- Waking Up

Chapter 1- Elation and Devastation

Chapter 2- Slow Start

Chapter 3- Tests

Chapter 4- First Memory

Chapter 5- Memories and Dreams

Chapter 6- Questions and Answers

Chapter 7- Progress

Chapter 8- Valentine’s Day

Chapter 9- Going Home

Chapter 10- Celebration

Chapter 11- Back to Life

Chapter 12- New Routine

Chapter 13- Ideas

Chapter 14- New Memory

Chapter 15- Moving Forward

Chapter 16- Date Night

Chapter 17- Lazy Saturday

Chapter 18- Visitors

Chapter 19- Falling

Chapter 20- Anniversary

Chapter 21- Bad Memories

Chapter 22- Assurances

Chapter 23- The Stranger

Chapter 24- Fury

Chapter 25-Information

Chapter 26- Guy’s Night Recap

Chapter 27- Outing

Chapter 28- Disgusted to Elated

Chapter 29- Overload

Chapter 30- Dinner to Celebrate

Chapter 31- Kisses, Kids, and Friends

Chapter 32- Quiet Sunday

Chapter 33- Disaster

Chapter 34- Letting Go

Chapter 35- Relaxation

Chapter 36- News

Chapter 37- Changes

Chapter 38- A New Kind of Guy’s Night

Chapter 39- Odds and Ends

Chapter 40- Elation

Chapter 41- Apologies

Chapter 42- Family

Epilogue- Future

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Prologue

Waking Up

Meghan

Everything hurt. Every single inch of me hurt. There were parts of me that I didn’t know could hurt, that hurt. I felt pressure on my hand and squeezed it in reflex. My response time was really slow and I felt incredibly weak. I winced. What had happened? And why couldn’t I open my eyes?

Meggie, it’s Robert. Can you hear me? Open your eyes, Meghan, a deep voice commanded me.

Robert? Who was Robert? Why was there a man with me?

I slowly forced my eyes open. My vision was blurry for a moment. I blinked several times and things became clear. A man was hovering over me. A very attractive man. Wow, he was good looking. Dark brown hair that was stylishly messy. Amazing deep blue eyes. He was focused on me intently, with an emotion on his face that I couldn’t quite place. Who was he?

You’re back, he whispered, gently touching my face. A spark of electricity followed where he touched and I flinched. What was that?

I was so confused. And tired, so very tired.

I opened my mouth to speak, but couldn’t get words out. My mouth was horribly dry.

Water, I mouthed, slowly. Why was everything so slow?

The man, Robert, poured me some water from a pitcher and helped me take a sip. I leaned back and stared at the sexy man in confusion. He felt familiar, but at the same time I had no idea who he was. But I kind of felt like I should know him. That didn’t make sense. Nothing made sense. And I was so tired.

I stared into his beautiful, familiar blue eyes. Who are you? I asked slowly, barely getting the words out before my eyes shut against my will and I drifted off into the blackness.

Chapter One

Elation and Devastation

Robert

Who are you?

Those words echoed through my head as Meghan drifted back to sleep. She didn’t know me. How could she not know me? The doctor had warned us she could have some memory loss, but I never believed she would forget me and the love we shared.

I shook my head. What mattered was that she had finally woken up. I needed to get the doctor and let everyone know. I had promised to call Julie immediately and I needed to call Josh. But first, the doctor.

I reached behind Meghan’s hospital bed and pushed the call button on the wall.

Can I help you? a woman’s voice crackled through the speaker.

Meghan woke up. Could you please page Dr. Rebecca Johnson?

That’s wonderful. I’ll page her right away, Mr. Halloway, the voice came through again. I recognized it now as Kailie, one of Meghan’s nurses who had been wonderful. A moment later I heard the page through the speakers in the hallway.

I picked up my cell phone from the side table and found Julie’s number. I had gotten permission from the staff to use my cell phone because Meghan didn’t have any machines the phone could interfere with.

Robert? What’s going on? Julie answered her phone quietly, nervousness in her voice. I had never called her at work before.

Julie, she woke up.

I heard Julie’s sharp inhale of breath. Really? Is she okay? Can I talk to her?

She’s sleeping again. The doctor was just paged, but isn’t here yet, so I don’t know much, I replied, rubbing my forehead with my hand. I was relieved and terrified at the same time.

How is she? Julie asked.

I hesitated. I didn’t want to tell her over the phone that Meghan didn’t remember me. Besides, maybe it had just been confusion. She had just woken up after six weeks.

I think she’s okay. She opened her eyes and looked at me. She spoke and then fell right back to sleep, just like the doctor said would probably happen. She’ll probably be in and out of consciousness for a few days.

I’ll be there right after school lets out. Oh, Robert, I’m so relieved. Our girl is going to be okay. I just know it. I’ll see you soon. Julie hung up before I could reply.

I scrolled through my phone and called Josh.

Hey, buddy, he answered.

Josh, Meghan woke up.

Seriously? I’m already on my way there. I’ll be there in a few minutes. How is she?

I knew I could be honest with my best buddy. I don’t know. Josh, she didn’t recognize me. I heard my voice crack as I spoke the words.

There was a pause. I’m pulling into the parking garage right now. I’ll see you in a couple minutes, buddy.

I hung up the phone and sat down heavily in the chair next to Meghan. I just gazed at her beautiful face. We’d been through so much in such a short amount of time. And most of that was my fault. I had been a complete tool before I met Meghan. The moment I saw her, I knew my life had changed and I fought it like hell. I thought I had been living the life; carefree, no responsibilities, and sleeping with random women. Nothing compared to meeting the love of your life; having that one person to come home to everyday and share everything with. We had just gotten there when she was ripped away from me.

The night of the accident it felt as though my whole world had fallen away. And then Meggie came back to me for just a little while. She was okay. The next thing we knew her brain had started swelling and they had put her into a medically induced coma to allow her brain to heal. They had taken her off the medication three weeks ago and for three weeks longer I had been waiting for her to wake up.

I rarely left except to go home and shower once Julie got here after school. Four times a week, Josh forced me to the gym. I didn’t ever want to leave her. I had been working and sleeping here in her room. I communicated with Howard, my Vice-CEO, daily. He was handling all in-house business for me and I was doing what I could by email and phone. After much debate, the nurses had brought a cot into Meghan’s room for me to sleep on because I absolutely refused to leave her. I could be very charming and convincing when I wanted to be and I needed to be with Meggie.

So many people had been in and out because Meghan was so loved. Her friends, Kate and Jen, were here almost as often as Julie. Some of her co-workers stopped by from time to time. My friends had been by as well because they knew how much I loved her. Brandon, Mikey, Nick, and even Landon had sat with me on a weekly basis. We hadn’t had guy’s night since the accident and they completely understood. Josh was with me a lot too, of course. Sometimes he would bring his laptop and write while I worked. He would pick up lunch for us everyday and we would sit and talk to Meghan. Sometimes I would step out to get some air or talk to the doctor and he would sit and talk to her. Josh’s girlfriend, Amy, also stopped by almost daily. She and Meghan had become fast friends and she had been devastated by the accident as well. She and Julie got along really well. I could only imagine the three of them hanging out together once Meghan was recovered.

I picked up Meghan’s hand as I gazed at her.

I love you so much, Meggie. I will do whatever it takes to get us back to where we were. No matter what, I will be here for you, I whispered.

Robert? I heard Josh’s voice behind me.

Hey, man. Thanks for coming. I bumped fists with him.

I was already on my way here, he said, pulling up a chair on the other side of Meghan’s bed so he could see my face. I’m not sure what he saw, considering how many emotions were running through me. What happened?

I was sitting here, holding Meghan’s hand and talking to her. She squeezed my hand like she does sometimes and I looked at her face and her eyes were fluttering. I told her to wake up and open her eyes. It took her a minute, but she did. Josh, I had never been so relieved in life. She just stared at me and tried to speak. I gave her a drink of water. She looked me right in the eyes and asked, ‘Who are you?’ before falling back to sleep. I closed my eyes.

I heard Josh exhale loudly. Wow, buddy. I don’t even know what to say. Maybe she was just confused because she had just woken up.

Yeah, I thought about that. I’m hoping that’s all it was.

The door opened and Dr. Rebecca came in. We called her Dr. Rebecca because there were several Dr. Johnson’s at the hospital.

She smiled at us. Hi, Robert, Josh. I hear Meghan woke up.

She did, I replied and repeated what I had just told Josh.

I’m sorry, Robert. That must have been awful. I did mention this could happen. It could just be confusion after waking up or it could be memory loss. Luckily, with most cases like this the memory returns. Not always, but usually. You have every reason to be hopeful. And the fact that she spoke at all is a really good sign. Let me exam her.

Josh moved and came to stand next to me. Dr. Rebecca took Meghan’s hand and squeezed it. I could see Meghan lightly squeeze it back.

Meghan, she said loudly. I need you to open your eyes.

It took a minute, but Meghan’s eyes slowly fluttered back open. She looked at the doctor in confusion and then glanced over at Josh and myself. She looked back to Dr. Rebecca who shined a little flashlight in her eyes.

Can you tell me your name? Dr. Rebecca asked.

Meghan opened her mouth and slowly said, Meghan Stevensen.

Very good, Dr. Rebecca replied with a smile as Meghan’s eyes drifted shut.

She turned to me. We’ve been over this, but I’ll remind you that Meghan will probably be in and out of consciousness for the next few days. It’s okay; her body is still healing and sleep is the best way to do that. I’ll be in and out to check on her. If anything major happens or changes have me paged immediately, okay?

I nodded.

She smiled at me. Just keep doing what you’re doing, Robert. She’s come back to you and that’s the most important thing right now.

I know. Thanks, Dr. Rebecca.

She nodded and left the room. Josh went back to his chair on the other side of Meghan’s bed and I sat back down and picked up Meghan’s hand. We didn’t speak much, just sat there in a comfortable silence for the next few hours. Every now and then Meghan would open her eyes and then almost immediately close them again.

At three thirty that afternoon Julie came rushing into the room.

How is she? What did the doctor say?

I relayed everything Dr. Rebecca said, which wasn’t really necessary because a moment later the doctor walked in.

Hi, Julie. Dr. Rebecca smiled at her and then looked at me. Any change?

I shook my head. She’s opened her eyes a few times, but then immediately fell back asleep.

Julie gasped and I looked over to find Meghan’s eyes open.

Jules, Meghan said slowly.

Julie sobbed, tears streaming from her eyes. Megs, I’m so glad you’re awake. We’ve been so worried.

Dr. Rebecca came to stand next to Meghan and introduced herself. Meghan, you were in a car accident about six weeks ago. You had a head injury and had surgery, but after surgery your brain started swelling. We put you in a medically induced coma to allow your brain to heal. Do you understand so far?

Yes, Meghan said.

The fact that you are speaking is a very good sign. Your speech and response time will probably be slow for a little while. You’ve had a physical therapist working your muscles, but it will take some work before you can walk on your own again. You also had a fractured bone in your left ankle which has healed now. You’re going to be feeling pretty weak for a while, but this will get better with time, okay?

Meghan slowly nodded her head. Thirsty, she whispered.

I was still standing next to the water pitcher, so I poured a glass of water and helped her drink it. Her eyes locked on mine and her forehead wrinkled in confusion again. My heart sank. I could tell she still didn’t recognize me.

I’m going to give you all some time, Dr. Rebecca said and then left the room. Josh followed her out.

Megs, I am so sorry. This is all my fault, Julie said. She was standing beside me and Meghan eyes left mine to meet hers.

What do you mean? she asked slowly. Her voice was so soft and weak.

The accident. I had too much to drink at Kate’s house and so you drove instead. The accident was the other driver’s fault; she ran a red light, but it should have been me. I’m so sorry, Julie sobbed. I helped Julie sit down so she was right next to Meghan.

Not your fault, Jules. I’m okay. Meggie’s eyes flicked back to me. Who are you?

Julie looked at her in shock. Meghan, this is Robert, your boyfriend.

Meghan looked stunned. Boyfriend?

Julie glanced at me.

I didn’t get a chance to tell you that when Meghan woke up she didn’t remember me. The doctor said there could be memory loss, I told Julie with a weak smile before turning back to Meghan. Meghan, I’m Robert Halloway. You and I met in November. It is now February. Our relationship has been a bit of a whirlwind, but I will tell you that you and I were very happy and very much in love, I said softly.

She looked shocked. She glanced at Julie who nodded. It’s true.

Her eyes met mine again. I’m sorry. I don’t remember. You do seem familiar though.

It’s okay. It will come back to you, I said confidently. She said I seemed familiar so that was good. The doctor said you could have some memory loss, but that in cases like yours, it usually comes back.

Meggie nodded slowly.

I’m going to give the two of you some time. I’ll run home and grab a shower and some food. I’ll be back in a couple hours, okay?

Thanks, Robert, Julie said.

Meghan nodded and offered me a small smile.

She may not remember, but she’s my girlfriend, dammit. I walked over to her and kissed her forehead.

I’ll see you soon, I whispered.

Chapter Two

Slow Start

Meghan

I watched the very attractive man that was apparently my boyfriend leave the room. I had felt a spark on my skin when he kissed my forehead. I couldn’t believe I had a boyfriend, let alone such a sexy one. I didn’t date. And why on earth would he be interested in me?

He really loves you, Megs, Julie said softly. My eyes flew to meet hers. And you really love him.

How do I not remember that? Or him? I whispered.

My fault. Head injury. Julie eyes filled with tears again.

Jules, stop it. This was not your fault. You said the other driver ran a light. I don’t want to hear you say it was your fault again, understand? I commanded as sternly as I could manage. I was still so tired.

Yes ma’am, Julie replied, a small smile tugging on her lips.

Now, back to Robert. Tell me.

Robert is a multi-millionaire, Megs. Honestly, I never even knew you had met someone, let alone were dating him until he arrived at the hospital the night of the accident. He was so torn up. It was like his entire world had come crashing down.

I never told you?

No, but I can’t blame you. I’d been seeing someone too and never told you about him, Julie admitted, biting her lip as she looked at me.

My eyes widened and then something occurred to me. Wait, how do you know I loved him if you didn’t even know we were dating?

Are you ready to hear about that night? Julie asked softly.

I need to, I replied, trying to sit up a little further. I was so weak; I could barely use my arms. Jules helped me. I hoped I could make it through this conversation; I wasn’t going to be able to stay awake much longer.

"We were at Kate’s house on a Thursday, having our weekly wine night. I had too much to drink and as we walked to the car, you decided you needed to drive. We were stopped at a red light and when it turned green you pulled into the intersection and a car came out of nowhere and slammed into the driver side door. I hit my head and ended up with stitches and had a dislocated shoulder. The other driver walked away with bruises and scratches. But you, Megs, the entire left side of your body was bruised, you had a fractured bone in your ankle, and a head injury. Your head had slammed against the window.

When we got to the hospital you were immediately taken to surgery. I happened to be standing up by the ER check-in desk when a man came running through the front door and asked about you. The woman asked if he was family and he said you had no family and he was your boyfriend. I was stunned. I walked over and introduced myself. We went into the waiting room and I explained what had happened and what I knew. The look on his face, Megs. God, he loves you so much, sweetie.

My eyes filled with tears.

The doctor came out hours later and told us the surgery had gone well and you were in recovery. She warned us that brain injuries were dangerous and that you weren’t out of the woods yet. Once you woke up, we were allowed to go in and see you. The look on your face when you saw him, Megs, it was pure love. Anyone would have been able to see it. He was so relieved and I watched you together. You two were always touching. You were always holding hands or had some kind of physical contact. He told you how you scared him and how much he loved you. And you told him you loved him too and you were sorry for worrying him. You said he shouldn’t have to go through this again.

I felt my forehead wrinkle in thought.

I never asked what that meant. It was none of my business. But, Megs, even if I hadn’t heard you tell him you loved him, it was clear to see. We all talked for a little while and then one of your machines started beeping and you lost consciousness. The doctor and nurses rushed in and told us your brain was swelling and they needed to put you in a medically induced coma or you could die. And six weeks later, here we are.

I can’t believe I’ve been unconscious for six weeks, I whispered.

I’ve been here on weekends and everyday after school, but Robert rarely left. He hasn’t been to the office since the accident; he’s been working from here. He sat with you and talked to you and read to you. Megs, he slept here. Julie pointed to the cot behind her.

This is so much to take in. I can’t believe I don’t remember him.

You will, Megs. A love like that can’t be forgotten for long, Jules said with a smile.

He’s really hot, I whispered.

He totally is. Julie laughed. Well done.

I started laughing with her.

You really don’t remember the accident? Julie asked quietly when our laughter faded.

I don’t, I replied and that was all I could say. Sleep was finally taking me.

Sleep, Megs. I’ll be here when you wake up, I heard her say as I faded.

The images faded in and out, broken fragments.

Julie and I hugged Kate and Jen goodbye and with one more glance at the light of the stars sparkling off the water, I turned and followed Julie to the car. Julie and I lived in the same building, so we always drove together. She stumbled a little as we reached her red Honda.

"You okay there, Jules? I asked. You were hitting that red wine pretty hard core tonight."

"No, I’m okay," she said, struggling to fit the key in the lock.

"Okay, that’s it. I’m driving. You are a little tipsy, my friend."

"Hey, are you okay? Julie asked softly. I know you checked out for a while tonight."

"I’m okay. You know I always get like this around the holidays. It’s just hard."

"Yeah, I know. But you and I are going to have a great Christmas, Megs. I have finally decided on the menu for our fantastic dinner, which you are going to help me cook, missy. And the girls are coming and I invited some boys, so maybe you’ll actually meet your prince."

I smiled and shook my head. Julie was always lining up men in front of me, trying to get me to date. She was constantly on dates and then the ones that she wasn’t interested in she tried to pawn off on me. I pulled to a stop at a red light.

"You and your men, I said, chuckling. Will it never end?"

"God, I hope not." Julie laughed with me.

The light turned green and I hit the gas. As I moved into the intersection, I was blinded by bright headlights and heard the deafening sound of tires trying to screech to a halt. In one brief second I glanced out my window to see a dark SUV slam into my door, horror on the driver’s face. I heard Julie’s scream and the sound of metal being crushed.

No! I awoke with a start, tears streaming down my face.

Meghan, what’s wrong? Robert’s beautiful blue eyes hovered above me, filled with concern. Julie was right next to him.

I cleared my throat. I think I remember the accident.

Oh, babe. I’m sorry, Robert whispered. He used his thumbs to wipe the tears from my cheeks and electricity flickered where he touched. I flinched at first and then leaned into his touch. He smiled, knowingly. I’d have to ask about that when we were alone.

How are you feeling, Megs? Jules asked.

Tired, I replied. And thirsty.

Julie grabbed the cup of water on the table by my bed and helped me take a drink. I couldn’t even raise my hand enough to reach it. It was so frustrating.

What is it? Robert asked softly, his finger stroking the frown line on my forehead.

I met his eyes. I’m so weak. I can’t do anything by myself.

You’ll get there, he assured me. The therapists are going to stop by tomorrow to talk to you about your recovery. I’ve had a physical therapist exercising your muscles while you were in the coma, so I’m hoping your recovery will be quicker than most. You’re going to be good as new, Meghan.

Looking at him, I could see the love and devotion on his face. It was intense and I glanced at Julie who was standing on the other side of my bed. She grinned knowingly and winked. The girl could read me better than anyone.

Kate and Jen are in the hall. Are you up to seeing them for a couple minutes? she asked.

I nodded. Robert stepped out to get them and my two friends came in.

I’ll give you all some time, he said, pulling the door closed as he stayed out in the hall.

Meghan, it’s so good to see you, Jen said, hugging me gently.

Kate leaned over and hugged me too. We’ve been so worried.

I’m sorry, I said.

Well, it’s not your fault, Jen joked. You don’t need to apologize.

I yawned. I’m sorry. I don’t know how long I can stay awake. I’m so tired, which makes no sense, considering I’ve been sleeping for six weeks.

It’s okay. We just wanted to see you, Jen said, squeezing my hand.

Yeah and to tell you we can’t believe you kept the fact that you were dating Robert from us, Kate added. Julie said you don’t remember him right now, but, girl, that man loves you something fierce.

So I’ve heard, I said with a grin.

I wish I had a man so devoted to me, Jen added.

I smiled as my eyes closed of their own volition and I drifted off once again.

Chapter Three

Tests

Robert

I was sitting on a bench outside of Meggie’s room when Jen, Kate, and Julie all walked out.

She fell asleep, Kate said with a shrug.

I nodded. She’s going to be doing a lot of that. It’s a good thing, I replied.

I think we’re going to take off for the night. Are you going to go home to sleep now that she’s awake? Julie asked.

Not a chance. I’m not going home until she’s ready to go with me. I was standing firm on that decision. My place just wasn’t the same without her.

Okay. Jen smiled. We’ll be back tomorrow.

They all said their goodbyes and walked down the hallway. I quietly went back into Meghan’s room, not wanting to disturb her. I sat in the chair next to her and gazed at her beautiful sleeping face. I was so glad she was back with us and now that she remembered the accident, I was hopeful her memories of me, of us, would return.

I picked up my duffle bag, went into the in-suite bathroom, and changed into a plain white tee shirt and pajama pants. I brushed my teeth and headed back out to the room.

Good night, my love, I whispered to Meghan and kissed her forehead. I settled in on my cot and knowing I would see Meggie’s gorgeous violet eyes and hear her voice in the morning, I slept better than I had in six weeks.

The next morning I woke to the most beautiful sound; my girl’s voice. Robert, Meghan whispered.

Hey, I said, rolling over to face her and sitting up. I rubbed my eyes. Are you okay?

Meghan smiled. I’m fine. I didn’t know you were going to keep staying here.

I’m not leaving until you do, I said, standing and moving to the chair next to her bed. How are you feeling?

A little better, I think, Meghan said, frowning. I don’t feel quite as tired, but I still feel really weak. And I can still feel that my speech is slow.

It’ll get better. I smiled at her. I should get dressed. I don’t know exactly what time the therapists will be arriving and I need to be ready to give you privacy so they can evaluate you.

What kinds of therapists are coming? I mean, what can I expect? Meghan asked. She seemed to be having a hard time meeting my eyes.

Physical therapy will be coming to evaluate your muscles. They’ve been the ones exercising you while you were in the coma. Your left leg will probably be the weakest. They couldn’t start moving that one right away because of the fractured bone in your ankle. That needed to be mostly healed first. A speech therapist will also come. She’ll be able to tell you more about when your speech will return to normal, but, Meghan, from everything I’ve heard the fact that you’re speaking as well as you are is a good sign.

She nodded.

An occupational therapist will also stop in. She deals with helping you relearn to brush your teeth and tie your shoes if need be.

Meghan frowned.

We’re going to get you back to the way you were, sweetheart, I promise, I told her softly. I’m going to get dressed.

I grabbed my bag and headed into the bathroom.

Robert? I turned back to Meghan and she was finally meeting my eyes. I’m really sorry I don’t remember you.

My heart stuttered and I smiled as best I could. You will.

I went into the bathroom and got ready for the day. I looked at myself in the mirror and noticed I didn’t look as tired as I had the past several weeks. Probably because a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

I headed back out to Meghan.

The doctor told me yesterday your feeding tube will be removed later today. They’ll start you off with eating and drinking just liquids and build you back up to regular foods.

Feeding tube? Meghan’s nose wrinkled in disgust.

I smiled wryly at her. You had to get your nutrients somehow.

She nodded. I miss food.

I love that about you. I grinned. I promised I was going to teach you to cook and I will once you’re out of here.

You cook? Meghan looked stunned.

I’ve cooked for you several times. And you have baked for me several times. Your chocolate cake is the best I’ve ever had.

She smiled shyly. I made you my chocolate cake?

You did. We had my best buddy, Josh, and his girlfriend, Amy, over for dinner one night and I cooked and you made your chocolate cake.

Just then there was a knock at the door. I looked up and saw Nicole, the physical therapist.

Hey, Nicole. Meghan, this is Nicole, your physical therapist, I introduced them.

Hi, Robert. Hi, Meghan, it’s nice to finally meet you. Nicole smiled.

She was a very chipper blonde in her early thirties. Sometimes too chipper for me, but she was one of the best in her field.

Nice to meet you, Meghan replied.

I stood and kissed Meghan on the forehead. I’ll leave you to it. I’ll be in the hall if you need me. I grabbed my laptop and phone and headed out to the hall.

I made a phone call to Howard at the office. I updated him on Meghan and he assured me that everything at the company was running smoothly and to take my time coming back. I really didn’t want to go back until Meghan was home, but that would be several weeks. I felt guilty being away as long as I had, even if I was doing as much work as I could from the hospital. I checked my e-mail and was starting to reply to some messages when Nicole came out.

How’d it go? I asked, standing.

Not too bad, Robert. You having me come in so many times daily really paid off. She’s definitely weaker on her left side which is to be expected. I’m guessing that working with her twice daily, she’ll be out of here in the next four weeks. She’ll probably have to use a walker for a little while and then a cane, but she seems really determined to get better.

I grinned. That’s my girl. Thanks so much, Nicole.

She smiled back. You’ve got a strong girlfriend, Robert. I’ll send Marie in next. She’s the speech therapist.

I nodded and she headed off. A few minutes later a woman in probably her mid-forties approached Meghan’s room. She went right in and I worked on my e-mails. She came out a while later and approached me.

Robert, is it? she asked.

I stood and shook her hand. Robert Halloway. You’re Marie, the speech therapist?

She nodded. Meghan is doing remarkably well for someone who hasn’t used her voice in almost two months. I’m sure you noticed her speech is a little slow. I also noticed every now and then she struggled for a word. That will all go back to normal with a little work. I’ll probably see her every other day for a week or two and that’s all it should really take. It’s pretty impressive that she’s doing so well.

That’s great, I replied, relieved.

Suzanne, the occupational therapist, should be in shortly. Meghan’s resting a little right now, Marie told me.

Thanks, Marie.

I sat down and got back to work. About thirty minutes later, another woman I had never seen, walked into Meghan’s room. She was a redhead who looked to be in her late thirties. She was in with Meggie for almost an hour before she came out.

Mr. Halloway?

Robert, I told her, setting my laptop aside and shaking her hand.

I’m Suzanne, the occupational therapist. I talked to Meghan at length about day to day tasks, such as eating, tying her shoes, brushing her teeth, and things like that. She seems to remember how to do all those things correctly, which is great. She won’t have to relearn any of it. The main problem right now is the weakness. She doesn’t have much use of her arms, so feeding herself right now isn’t an option. She’s very frustrated and very concerned about this. She seems to be a very self-sufficient woman and hates admitting she’s going to need help. Her main concern is that she’s going to be taken off the feeding tube and won’t be able to feed herself. I told her I would be available to come and assist her, but she’s insisting that’s not necessary.

I’ll help her, I immediately said. She’s going to hate it, but I will help her. You were right about her being self-sufficient. She’s been on her own for a while and she’s very independent. But I will help her when she needs it.

Suzanne nodded. "There’s not much I