Chapter 61. Our Home

The sound of wheels squeaking against the linoleum floor echoed down the hall as Hayden’s therapist helped adjust him in the chair. They have been in the rehabilitation room for almost an hour.

“Alright, Mr. Oakley,” the therapist said with a calm smile. “Let’s go easy today. We’ll focus on controlled stretches. Tell me the moment anything feels too painful.”

Hayden nodded, jaw tight. “If it’s working, it’s going to hurt anyway,” he muttered.

Myla stood beside him, hands clasped, eyes never leaving his face. She’d learned to read his every twitch... every small sign of effort or pain.

Beck stood on his other side, arms crossed, watching with quiet worry. Jared lingered near the door, always close enough to step in if needed. They had started to attend his sessions after the nurses complained he pushed too hard and wouldn't stop when they asked him to.

The first time Hayden moved his leg had felt like magic, but now, each session was agony.