The physical therapy gym closed at six.
Pierce waited until six-thirty before slipping inside.
The receptionist recognized him immediately.
"Forgot something?"
He offered an awkward smile. "Just... wanted to use the equipment for a little while, if that's okay."
She hesitated.
His chart was probably covered in bright yellow warnings. Recent gunshot wound. Thoracotomy. Rib fractures. Reduced lung capacity.
"I won't overdo it," he promised.
It wasn't exactly a lie.
She studied him for another moment before nodding toward the back room. "Twenty minutes."
He smiled for real this time. "Thank you."
The gym felt different without therapists pacing between the machines.
Quieter.
Almost sacred.
Sunlight spilled through the high windows, turning the polished floor gold. The treadmills
