20. Chapter 20
Rehab Center
Stateside
My dearest Sadie,
Thank you for understanding my need to go through therapy alone. Please know that if there was anyone I would want to be by my side, it would be you.
Therapy was hell, except I’m now the reigning Sock Slide Champion.
The rehab center floors were slick as hell and those hospital socks with little dots on them do not have enough grip.
I don’t care how many times the therapist claims they do.
She finally gave up trying to convince me when I slid down the hallway straight past the nurse’s station and into the supply closet.
I swear it wasn’t intentional (although I may have been trying to prove a point). I expect my gold medal any day now.
Therapy is finished. I’ve been cleared for active duty. I’m shipping out in a few hours. I tried to call you to say goodbye but you didn’t answer your phone. I left you a message.
Thank you for waiting for me. I can’t begin to explain how much it means to me. But if you ever change your mind, let me know. I don’t want you to stay with me out of some feeling of obligation.
I wish I could hear your voice one more time before I leave stateside. I love how I can hear your smile in your voice. I love your giggle. I love your enthusiasm. You’re a bright spot on my horizon.
Take care Sadie,
Love, Your Ben
PS I enclosed a set of dog tags. They’re a copy of mine since I need mine where I’m going, but I thought you might like to wear these as a reminder of me.