Youre not a burden, she insisted. I love you. What did you thinkthat your girlfriend was just going to take a hard pass on caring for you while you get better? Thats insulting. Besides, the department is paying for your medical and rehab bills, so thats not an issue. I want you here. So does Hannah. And this house is perfect for your recovery. Its like it was meant to be.

He shook his head, unconvinced. She tried again.

I know youre frustrated, babe. You like to charge hard, all the time. But you have to cut yourself some slack. Did you think you were going to be back on the streets this week, chasing down criminals? Its going to be slower than you like. But well get there if you dont delay the process by getting injured while pushing too hard, too fast.

She looked at him, hoping she could will him to feel her love and support. He opened his mouth and, after a few seconds of struggle, managed to get out another word.

Useless, he said, his voice choked with frustration.

Her shoulders slumped involuntarily.

Okay, she said gently. Im going to go prep some soup and a smoothie for your dinner. I think the late football game started a little while ago so Ill put that on for you. Ill be back in a few minutes.

She left the room with a smile plastered on her face, fully aware that he was watching for any sign that she had given up on him. Hannah was sitting at the kitchen island.

How is he? she asked.

Agitated, discouraged, irate, take your pick. How are you?

Hannah looked at her without any of her usual cynicism.

I was really scared. I was outside resting in the hammock and I heard this thud. When I got inside, he was on the floor. I knew he hadnt just fallen out of the bed because the sidebar was up. It was like he tried to walk somewhere, but he didnt even use the walker. At first he wouldnt even let me help him up.

She looked away quickly.

Jessie thought she might be fighting back tears and it broke the dam inside her, one she hadnt realized was holding so much back. This was her fault. She should have been here to prevent this, to protect her already traumatized sister from carrying another burden that wasnt hers.

Im really sorry, she said. I had no idea hed try something like that. Clearly I misjudged his desire to get moving, even at the expense of good sense. I shouldnt have left you here to take care of him alone, even for a short time.

It looked like Hannah was about to agree with her, but the girl seemed to catch herself. When she spoke her voice was firm.