He Favored Her, I Left for Good

Chapter 4

The doctor came in to go over my treatment plan, shaking his head the whole time. For a second there, I thought he was about to tell me I only had six months to live.

"Look, I've told you before. You gotta take care of that back. No cold, no heavy lifting, and actually stick to your rehab.

"And you—" He gave me that look.

I let out a tired little laugh. "Larry, just tell me what's next."

"Your nerves are shot. Can't reverse that. Surgery's the only option."

I nodded, taking it in. We agreed I'd wrap up my stuff at school first and then come back for the procedure. In the meantime, he'd prescribe me some painkillers.

At least I could still walk. It just hurt like a b***h.

And honestly? On the bad days, those pills didn't do jack.

Picked up my meds, and on my way back, I called Caleb.

"Hey, it's our anniversary today, so I was thinking—"

He cut me off before I could finish, "Sorry, babe, I can't. My advisor's breathing down my neck about this paper. Rain check? I promise I'll make it up to you."

I just stood there, phone pressed to my ear, and it took me a second to even process what he said. Then I almost laughed.

It was the middle of summer, scorching hot, but I was shivering like it was chilly winter.