# Fallout - Life and Limb(s)

Author: SrA havenofimage
Tags: Hospital, Husky, Leopard, M/F, Military, Siberian Husky, Snow Leopard, Story Series, surgery

#3 of Fallout

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&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I passed the bus ride back to Fairchild in silent contemplation watching the familiar scenery pass by the window.&nbsp; Out the corner of my eye I noticed a hare in black sunglasses who appeared to be watching me.&nbsp; When I turned to look at him though, he had his nose buried in a news paper. &nbsp;It must have been my befuddled brain playing tricks on me.&nbsp; I had gone to Dr. Hall for reassurance and instead been given even more to think about and trouble my current mental quandary.&nbsp; On the bright side, I would be with Jaimie again soon.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr. Hall and I had talked for over two hours.&nbsp; It seemed that she had stumbled upon a possible way to return movement to my paralyzed legs.&nbsp; It was all rather technical and confusing but I believed that I understood the gist.&nbsp; While researching new concussion treatments for an injured snowboarder, she had come across an obscure paper on the treatment of patients who had been immobilized from Border Syndrome.&nbsp; Apparently the disease caused a protean compound to form over parts of the brain, blocking signals from reaching areas of the body.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The article had caught Dr. Hall's eye because, during scans taken of me to look for possible brain damage, a similar compound had been located.&nbsp; She hadn't known what to make of it at the time, Border Syndrome being extremely rare, and it didn't seem to be harming anything, so it was simply overlooked.&nbsp; Now however, it appeared that this may be the cause of my paralysis.&nbsp; The only difference being, the substance on my brain had formed due to a reaction with an anomalous chemical presence rather than from a non-synergy of human and primary genes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The operation would involve physically cutting open a portion of my skull, inserting an arthroscopic probe, and manually removing the foreign substance.&nbsp; Sounded good in all, but in Border Syndrome patients it only had a forty percent success rate and fifteen percent of the subject's condition worsened afterward.&nbsp; On top of that, with my conditioning developing differently, there was no knowing whether or not the protein would reform later, or if this would even fix the problem at all.&nbsp; There were a lot of risks involved, and a lot of money.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;I didn't know if it was worth it.&nbsp; I was in fine condition right now, minus my legs of course.&nbsp; I could cope, adapt, and live happily, just as I had been doing for the last two months.&nbsp; Being in a wheel chair wasn't that bad, and it was only my legs.&nbsp; According to Dr. Hall there was a chance the procedure could backfire and I'd end up with even more of me being paralyzed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then again, being able to walk, run, climb, etcetera...&nbsp; It was very appealing.&nbsp; I had no idea what to think.&nbsp; My mind had been in swing mode ever since Dr. Hall had first suggested that I might be able to someday use my legs.&nbsp; I did know one thing though, Jaimie would have something to say that would make me feel better about all this, and I'd be seeing her at home very soon.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the condo, I ate dinner in similar silence, consenting to simply listening to Jaimie rather than contribute to the conversation.&nbsp; When the meal was finished I backed away from the table and turned to begin cleaning up.&nbsp; Something stopped the motion however.&nbsp; I turned to see Jaimie standing behind me, holding the wheel chair in place.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Where do you think you're going?" she asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I motioned to the dishwasher, "Put my dishes away?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I think we need to talk first.&nbsp; You haven't said a word all evening.&nbsp; What's wrong?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I leaned my head back until it rested against her stomach, closed my eyes and let out a huge sigh.&nbsp; "I don't know what to do."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "About what?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "This could take a while, we'd better head to the living room.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaimie and I talked long into the night about everything Dr. Hall had told me today.&nbsp; Surprisingly, she took it pretty well.&nbsp; Unlike me it seemed, Jaimie looked at the situation with a level head and reason, of course, it wasn't here body we were talking about.&nbsp; I knew that see was only thinking of what was best for me though.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Look," she said as the discussion was coming to an end, "in the time I've known you, I don't see Xavier Snow as the type of person who would back down from any challenge or risk if he felt there was a worthwhile reward at the end.&nbsp; You need to follow what your heart tells you.&nbsp; I know, if you do that, you'll make the right decision."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How can you know that?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Because I know you and your heart is true, and your body is strong, and your mind is determined to do good."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaimie stood up, walked over, kissed me on the forehead and nuzzled my ear.&nbsp; I remained in the living room for a long time after she left and it was well after midnight before I finally went to bed, careful not to wake her.

\*\*\*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Good morning Mr. Snow.&nbsp; I'm going to be your anesthesiologist for this operation.&nbsp; How are you today?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A female ground squirrel was talking to me while I lay in a special operating bed being prepped for the surgery.&nbsp; Jaimie was on my right, holding my paw.&nbsp; I had requested that she be with me for this and it was permitted.&nbsp; During the actual procedure though, she would have to stand back along the wall, in a space usually reserved for interns.&nbsp; Dr. Hall herself was going to be operating on me.&nbsp; I had been surprised to learn that, among countless other things, she was certified in both neuro and brain surgery.&nbsp; In my opinion, I couldn't be in better paws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm fine, I guess," I replied with a nervous laugh, and a glance to Jaimie who squeezed my arm gently.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm sure everything will go perfectly.&nbsp; Now, just so you know how this is going to work, let me go over the procedure with you.&nbsp; The initial sedative will be an inhalant, you may know it as laughing gas, and then I will keep you sedated using the I.V.&nbsp; Once the operation is complete and we are sure that you are stable, I cut off the formula, and, if necessary, give you a very mild stimulant.&nbsp; To you, it will seem as if no time passed what so ever.&nbsp; What are your questions?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I don't think I have any."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Alright then, let's get started."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaimie gave me a quick kiss on the nose before a mask was placed over my face.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Please breathe normally."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After three breaths or so the mask was removed, and I was feeling very light headed.&nbsp; For some reason, I couldn't make anything out beyond the two females by my bed.&nbsp; I was talking to Jaimie about, something, and didn't even notice when a syringe was stuck in my arm, or when the I.V. was inserted.&nbsp; And then...

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Alright, who wants to go first?" Dr. Hall's voice echoed in my head.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I glanced to my right and left where four other individuals sat.&nbsp; I immediately stood, volunteering myself before any of them could put themselves to the risk.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Ma'am!" I replied confidently.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I thought you might Kirian."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With the unknown factors, I would go first, for the safety of my squad.&nbsp; Besides, Dr. Hall said it would be fine.&nbsp; She was always right

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...I was awake.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Xavier.&nbsp; Xavier!&nbsp; Xavier?&nbsp; Xavier can you hear me?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I blinked several times, clearing my blurry vision to see Dr. Hall sitting to my right.&nbsp; The technician had been right; the whole thing had seemed instantaneous.&nbsp; That wasn't correct though, hadn't there been a dream or something.&nbsp; I thought on this, but, if there had been, it was long past the point where I could ever remember it.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Welcome back, how do you feel?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Fine, a bit disoriented, but fine."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That should wear off shortly.&nbsp; You're probably getting tired of waking up in hospital beds with me next to you by now."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I looked around my surroundings to find that I was no longer in the operating room, but in a standard hospital room.&nbsp; This time I had a window though, a great improvement over my last time spent here.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How'd everything go?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "The operation went smoothly.&nbsp; Still waiting on a few test results to ensure there was no brain damage, but I predict no negative side effects at this point."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I looked down at my legs, which were covered in a sheet.&nbsp; I tried to wiggle by toes and was dismayed to find that they still didn't move.&nbsp; I then realized, I didn't know how to move my toes.&nbsp; I closed my eyes and focused on that one motion.&nbsp; A sensation rushed through my feet.&nbsp; The feeling of fabric moving across fur.&nbsp; Upon opening my eyes, I saw and felt my toes and feet moving from beneath the sheets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Wooooo Hooooo!" I shouted as loud as I could, elated with the small motion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr. Hall laughed, "Very good, but let's take it slow for now."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A nurse looked in from the door, "Is everything alright Doctor?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We're fine."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I continued to explore this new part of my body, rolling my legs from side to side and rubbing my feet together.&nbsp; Extending and retracting my claws.&nbsp; Then Dr. Hall got my attention then.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Xavier, let's take it slow."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Okay," I replied, slightly embarrassed at my childish delight and ceased the movement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You're going to need a lot of physical therapy before you're walking again.&nbsp; For now, take it easy, focus on recovering, and get some rest.&nbsp; I know it all seems simple right now, but your body and mind are going to need time to get used to the new muscles and movements.&nbsp; I do know, from the muscle development in your legs, and from the tissue regeneration behind the scars on your thigh, that at some point before your accident you could walk.&nbsp; That will help the recovery, but not make it instantaneous.&nbsp; The knowledge may still be locked up with the rest of your memory."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I listened to all this and took in what it meant.&nbsp; None of the information Dr. Hall was telling me was shocking.&nbsp; I had expected a lot of physical therapy and had not planned on jumping out of bed on day one.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, unless you have any more questions for me, I'm sure there's someone who will want to see you, then you need to get some sleep."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I nodded and Dr. Hall left the room.&nbsp; Moments later, Jaimie was rushing in.&nbsp; I had just enough time to notice she had brought a package with her before she threw her arms around me.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Akk!" I choked out.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What was that Xander?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You're suffocating me."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh sorry," she said, straitening herself and looking slightly embarrassed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She covered the awkward moment by turning and pulling a chair up to my bed.&nbsp; When she turned back, a smile lit her face.&nbsp; I grinned back, happy to see her.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Have fun watching the procedure?" I asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It was... different."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Check out what I can do now though," I said excitedly and wiggled my toes again.&nbsp; It was such a unusual and wonderful feeling.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaimie giggled and kissed my nose.&nbsp; I gestured to the package she had brought.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What's in the box?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaimie grinned and handed it to me.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Just a little something I got for you, when you recover that is.&nbsp; I promise if you will."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I began unwrapping whatever it was, a small feeling of trepidation as I did.&nbsp; Jaimie continued to speak however.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I promise to take you up in my helicopter if you promise," she pause until I was about to lift the lid off the box, "to take me dancing!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I looked inside the box to see a pair of black shoes.&nbsp; Laughing, I gave her big hug.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I promise, as soon as I get done with my therapy."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We talked for a while, mostly about nothing important.&nbsp; I was just happy to be done with surgery.&nbsp; I had Jaimie at my side, and soon I'd be able to walk again.&nbsp; A whole world of possibilities seemed to open before my eyes.&nbsp; Life was really starting to look up for me now.

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/P1EJBzDe
Part of the series Fallout
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