I click my pen and sign both of our names at the top of the sign-up sheet. Then I high-tail it out of Jaxon’s office without another word.

“Hi, Grandma. It’s me, Raegan. Your granddaughter.”

Grandma’s face twists as she scoffs. “I know who you are. You don’t have to introduce yourself to me, baby.”

I let out the breath I’ve been holding, relieved that today seems to be a good day.

I never know what kind of mood Grandma will be in until I arrive in her room at the nursing home. Some days she’s tired and sleeps throughout my visit. Other times she’s angry and combative. It’s easier when I have my mom with me, but Mom got called to do a double at the hospital, so it’s just me.

I wrap my arms around my grandmother and squeeze her thin body. “How are you feeling today?”

“I’m fine. My knee hurts a bit but nothing out of the ordinary.”

“That knee is still bothering you, huh? Maybe we should call the doctor to take a look at it again.”

She waves her hand. “Oh, no. It’s fine. Just a little bruised. Nothing to make a fuss over.”

I chew on my bottom lip. “I don’t like that it’s still hurting you. I know you fell, but that was weeks ago.”

“I’m fine, baby. Now help your grandmother up, will you? It’s almost time for my therapy session.”

I hold Grandma steady as she changes into her bathing suit, and then we ride the elevator down to the indoor pool.

Her physical therapist, Neil, is waiting for us once we arrive. A warm blast of chlorine-scented air burns my nostrils. I end up leaving with a headache every week, but I wouldn’t miss the chance to see my grandmother’s face light up when she gets into the water. She and my grandfather had a huge inground pool where I’d spend hours swimming every day as a kid. Grandma loves the water, and it’s the only place she seems at peace.

Normally I wear a one-piece bathing suit with a T-shirt over it. But since I’ve lost the divorce weight, as I’m referring to it, I’m able to fit into my old bikinis again.

Hello, two-piece, my old friend.

I strip out of my clothes and leave them folded neatly on a chair. Taking Grandma’s arm, I lead her into the pool.

Neil whistles as he reaches out for Grandma’s hand. “Look at you, girl. Glad to see you ditched the baggy T-shirt. Let me find out you’ve been hiding that body under there the whole time.”

I giggle. “More like this body was hiding under a layer of fat.”

“Well, good for you for losing the weight and the dead weight, if you know what I’m talking about.”