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A New Ship to Sail
“This is a big step,” the case manager said. “You’ve made solid progress here, but rehab is where the focus shifts to independence. The center has everything you’ll need. Mobility training, core strengthening, and care tailored to your injuries.”
Matt sat beside Lucy, her hand against his, brochures and discharge papers spread across the table. Nine months since the accident, and he could now feel the knee brace.
“It’s a bit of a drive, but it’s one of the best. Most patients stay a few weeks to a few months, but for you, it’s likely closer to a year. Maybe longer, depending on progress.”
“A year,” Matt echoed. He glanced at Lucy. “What about visitors?”
“Absolutely. There are visiting hours, and we’ll help keep you connected.”
“We’ll be there. Not every day, but we’ve got it covered.”
“I know,” he said after a moment. “It just feels… far.”
“It is. But you’re ready,” Lucy said.
“With the holidays coming up, we’ll plan the transfer for early January. That gives you a little time to get things lined up.”
He nodded, managing a faint smile.
By the end of the year, Ben sorted through Matt’s things while Lucy folded clothes nearby.
“Don’t argue,” Lucy said, tucking his favorite full-zip hoodie into a duffel. “You’ll thank me when you’re cold.”
“I’m not getting cold. I overheat just existing.”
“Wow. School hasn’t even started and I’m already hearing a teenager.”
Ben moved a few loose folders aside. Underneath them was an old, scuffed laptop. Next to it sat a video game box.
“What’s this?” he said, flipping it over. “‘Build castles, manage armies, outthink your enemies…’ You know, this does sound like your thing.”
“That’s what Danny said.”
Matt didn’t seem interested. Ben shrugged and slipped them into the bag anyway.
Lucy perched beside Matt on the bed. “You okay?”
“I think so. Still feels like a lot, though.”
Even so, he was sitting there on his own now, the TLSO no longer needed.
"Yeah. But you don't have to figure it out by yourself."
Ben zipped up the duffel and set it on the chair in the corner.
“That should do it. I’ll pack whatever’s left that morning.”
He looked at the bag, then at Lucy and Ben.
“Thanks,” he said simply. “For helping with all this.”
“We wanted to.” She gave him a gentle nudge.
“Yeah. Let us know if you need anything.”
Matt smiled, real this time. “We’ll see.”
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