After hearing the therapist mention snippets of her past, Ashley began to let her guard down further. She was surprised to hear that many there were in a similar situation, she felt silly for not having reached out to anyone earlier. It seemed that escaping the bad life was common, she just didn't know who she could have turned to.
"It.... It isn't easy, is it. Leaving it all behind. I still can't help but get that feeling of panic when I see someone in uniform, even though I am doing no wrong. While I was put trying to survive, that cost me dearly. Looking back, there was places I could have stayed and been relatively safe..... I just have trouble trusting.... And for that I am sorry, I don't mean come across as standoffish"
She wanted to make friends with the therapist. She seemed like someone Ashley would enjoy spending time with. She was starting to smile, a slight laugh at the jokes being told and the conversations being had. The interaction was working wonders for her joints as well as her mind.
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"Truthfully, I don't miss most of it," replied the therapist. "Here, I can go where I want without the risk of being shot at by someone or arrested and spending a lifetime in a Rheinland prison or worse, a slave to a Corsair. This place saved me and I'm grateful."
She then took her broken arm and massaged it albeit very gently. "Nasty break," she said. "I'll be in here daily, sometimes more than once a day. The more we work together, the better your recovery will be. It will be awhile before you're on your feet again though."
She continued her work while Doc wrapped up a conversation with the surgeon.
"I don't miss it either, it is just... Different. I guess it will get better when I am not being shot at by those who have always hated my kind.... And those who were once my friends."
She nodded slowly, she was happy with the idea of the therapist coming in to see her each day, the company of another would be nice. She thought for a moment, it was a slow process piecing which injuries were likely to have happened and when, but it was something she felt she had to do.
"I would assume this break happened when my ship was destroyed, I don't remember it being bad before I woke here"
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Doc walked back in the room where the therapist was working on Ashley.
"Ah, I see that you have met one of our finest physical therapists here," he told Ashley. "Now I do not know if you two were properly introduced but this is Gertrude Himmler. I think you will find yourselves with much in common." He then turned to Gertrude, "Can I speak with you for a few minutes." With that, the two left the room.
Minutes later, Doc returned to her bedside and took her hand. He was a bit somber but spirited.
"I have to leave for Bretonia within the hour as I have some issues there to settle. It is a long story but something I must take care of as it is a few layers deep."
He sighed, "I hope to have this wrapped up in a few days but if I take longer, know that I will be back. I have briefed both Dr. Brandt and Gertrude of things so they know. They will both take good care of you and Gertrude will become a good friend to you."
He stopped, just looking over her battered but healing body. "You are in good care here and will be safe."
He then leaned close to her ear and whispered, "I will be back for you, I promise." He stayed a few minutes to speak there short term farewells.
She looked up from what they were doing for a moment as he walked back in the room, nodding a hello before continuing paying attention to what they were doing. As the two left, she closed her eyes. She was tired. He eventually entered again, she kept her eyes closed, only opening them again when he took her hand.
On hearing the news she frowned slightly, she didn't like the idea of him leaving. She wouldn't say anything though, she knew it must have been something that had to be done. Instead she just nodded at hearing he had briefed the other two on what he was doing and what needed to happen.
When he whispered that he would be back for her, a single tea rolled down her cheek. She squeezes his hand was silent a moment longer before speaking.
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Several Weeks Later
"How is she?" was how the conversation began between Doc and his colleague, Dr. Brant, Ashley's doctor.
"She's been on her feet the last several days, with help, of course and I have removed her casts," he explained. He then handed him the file, "take a look."
Doc read it through. She was better but still had work to do. He handed the file back and began to leave the office.
"John," said Brant, "I know you love her. I saw the ring but remember, she's still my patient."
Doc just nodded as he left.
He went to the physical therapy room where she was being worked out. He just watched as she was slowly walking on her own. She was still wobbly on her feet but there was a smile on her face. Gertrude had noticed him in the distance but he just put a finger of his mouth and she went about her work. Doc was in a timing pattern. Slowly, quietly, out of Ashley's sight, he walked toward her and his timing was perfect.
Ashley stumbled only to have a strong set of arms catch her.
"Easy, Dahlin'," was his voice, "I got you." Slowly he turned her around. He barely gave her time to say his name when he hugged her.
Gertrude smiled, "Doc, watch her for a minute. I need a bathroom break."
With Gertrude away for a few minutes, he held her. "I am so sorry. Those few days turned into a few weeks. I should have known when it comes to Bretonia that it will never be short or easy."
He sat her down and took a look at her. "You look a lot better. How do you feel?"
She wasn't expecting him to be there, even through the doctors reassurances that he was OK, she had feared for his safety. She wrapped her arms around him, in an embrace. Quiet for a moment, thankful he was there to catch her when she stumbled, relieved he was safe. "you... You don't have to be sorry, you are safe, you are here."
He asked how she was feeling, and she frowned, she wasn't happy with the time it was taking, but the doctors seemed to be pleased with how she was recovering "I am... I'm on my feet, it still hurts, and I am frustrated.... The simple things, it's almost imp... I will get there" she sighed and shook her head. The process was a slow one, but she had made a lot of progress in the time he was away. She moved back a fraction and studied his face, making sure for herself he was there and he was well. "you were gone for what felt like an eternity. Are you OK? I was worried."
