She looked at the flowers lining her room. Gretchen had many people in her life who cared, but the new addition to the collection stood out. Jax had honored her request and brought back a small flower arrangement. The collection of daisies was bright and too cheery given the circumstances, but she had always loved daisies when she was feeling down.

A folded piece of paper on the floor caught her eye. It sat under the unused chair in the corner of the room, by the windowsill. Gretchen almost called for a nurse to grab it, but then she remembered she was allowed to walk. She waited for Amanda and Jax to leave before sliding out of bed gently. She placed her nonskid socks against the linoleum and walked over to the corner.

Walking was one adventure, and now bending over was going to be a challenge. She sat on the chair and twisted awkwardly so she didn’t hurt her ribs any more, and her head ached slightly. She used her foot to grab the paper and slide it closer to her. She knelt on the floor and picked it up. Standing took longer than expected, and she winced when every joint ached with the movement. By the time Gretchen was back in bed, she was winded and sweating.

Her hands were shaking as she unfolded the paper. She started to cry the moment she recognized the opening line.

Hey you. I can’t believe we’re getting married tomorrow. I feel like we just met! I can still smell the books in the library and feel your stare from across the reference section. You were so cute with your floppy brown hair and baggy cargo shorts. I have to admit, I’m glad your style improved over the years! You’re going to look stunning tomorrow. I can’t wait to see you, to touch you, to promise you forever. I am so lucky to be loved by you.

One day away from forever yours,

Gretchen

A tear fell from Gretchen’s nose onto the paper. What was this letter doing here? Why could she hear Jax’s voice in her head while reading it? Gretchen held the letter to her chest and lay back. If Jax had brought it to the hospital, she’d had a reason. Gretchen cherished every letter she had written and received, and she had no idea when she had stopped. Gretchen looked at the blank notepad next to her and wondered how many other things had also stopped.

Chapter Twelve

21 days, 15 hours, 31 minutes

The next six days of hospital living were rigorous for Gretchen. She’d wake up in the morning and hardly have a moment to herself after a breakfast of mediocre French toast or pancakes. The nurses had her up and walking, showering herself, and getting set up for her meetings with a speech therapist. Those meetings always left Gretchen feeling positive, yet even more confused. As a therapist herself, she understood how unpredictable healing and recovery could be, but if one more person told her how crazy the brain was, she was going to leave her bed and admit herself to the psychiatric ward. When she returned to her room after the meeting, she was greeted by the unpleasant sight of Jax and Amanda arguing in the hallway. She rolled her eyes at them and went straight to her bed.