Right, Jessie replied, getting what he meant. The rehabilitative therapist will start tomorrow. That will be every day. Once youve made some progress on the activities of daily living, well bring in the physical therapist to help you get your strength and mobility back. But were going to have to be patient. Remember Dr. Badalia wants you to take it one step at a time. Biting off more than you can chew could be detrimental to your long-term recovery.

Ryan shook his head.

Not…average…bear, he insisted.

Jessie smiled.

Dont I know it. So do you want to check out the new digs? she asked. Hannah, would you like to do the honors?

Hannah, who had been silent up to now, nodded.

Hey, Ryan, she said quietly as she stood and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Good to have you back. Now I wont have to take the trash out to the curb every week.

Ryan did his raspy laugh. Jessie smiled, glad that at least her sister wasnt taking her frustration out on him. As Jessie and Nurse Patty trailed behind, Hannah wheeled him through the house, pointing out all the added features, including the handrails everywhere, the assist bars to get in the bath and on the toilet, and the call buttons in every room. She also showed him the emergency call button necklace theyd gotten for him. That got a huge grin from him.

Ive fallen…and…I cant…get up, he said.

Hannah looked over at Jessie, confused.

Its from an old commercial, she said. Look it up on YouTube.

When they got to Jessies office, Ryan looked over at her.

Was Garlands? he asked.

Yeah, she said, confirming that this had been the home office of Garland Moses, the man whod left her this house in his will. The fact that they only lived here now because Garland had been brutally murdered by her ex-husband was something she was still trying to come to terms with.

Sorry, Ryan croaked, reaching out for her hand and squeezing it tight. Hed actually been the detective who first investigated Garlands murder and the person who had to break the news to her. He knew how much the old guy meant to her, even if he couldnt verbalize it yet.

Hannah started to turn the wheelchair back down the hall when Ryan held up his hand.

Me, he insisted. Need to…practice.

Hannah lifted her hands in the air. Ryan nodded his approval, then grabbed the wheels and tried to turn the chair around. But it was a tight fit for the hall, with little room for error. Twice he banged into a wall before attempting to turn it in the other direction. That was even less successful. After three failed attempts, he got frustrated and slammed the chair against the wall.

Dammit, he yelled, loud and clear.

Let me help, Jessie said, reaching for the handles on the back of the chair.