Chapter 7 Lost In My Head
I'm really not sure who was more uncomfortable during Walt's well purge is all I can think of to call it. I've never seen someone release so many emotions in such a short time. Start to finish the entire episode lasted maybe 30 minutes. Thirty very long minutes. By the time it was done, both of us were a sniveling, snotty, blotchy hot mess. Of course the first thing Walt did was apologize for everything. He somehow took the blame for my failed marriage to Shawn, Branch's murder, Martha's murder and I think global warming.
It took us a fair bit of time before we finally settled into a comfortable cohabitation. I had a long list of do's and don'ts sent home from the doctor so I set up a schedule or duty roster as it were to make sure nothing was missed. There were breathing treatments to be done three times a day, some very minor strength building exercise and small walks in the cabin. Mainly from the bed to the bathroom to the sofa and back again. Walt is still very weak. It alarmed me at first, so much so that I called the Doc but he assured me Walt was progressing, as he should. He not so subtly reminded me that Walt had the wholly living shit kicked out of him as well as a bout on pneumonia as a chaser.
We're talking a lot more now too. I asked him for the story of Walt Longmire from the beginning of time and he's actually obliged. Some of the tales along the way I expected and others have completely floored me. Who'd have guessed the sheriff of Absaroka County liked to burn one down from time to time. I guess I'll have to add some Ben Harper to the soundtrack I associate with Walt. Even though he's sharing I still get the impression that he's holding volumes back as well. We came up with a game. Quid pro Quo, he shares then I share. Like him, I'm letting bits of the walls I've erected crumble however I'm instilling the policy of cautious optimism that we're getting back to our partnership and friendship levels of before.
His real physical therapy starts tomorrow. I warned him that the pansy ass stuff we've been doing is nothing compared to what Dave the PT guy has planned for him. Dave has agreed to come out to the cabin for the first three sessions then it's up to us to get into town for the appointments. I tried to assure Dave that we could drive in for all of them but he insisted on doing this little favor for Walt, he said he owed him and that once he was done working him over, Walt would be glad for the close proximity of his bed.
Turns out a young David Matthews got himself into a bit of trouble back in his high school days and Walt gave him two choices. First work in the Sheriff's office for twelve months doing whatever chore Walt, Ruby or any other deputy needed or spend the next two and a half years at the lock down school for wayward boys. He chose the first option. The twelve months turned into thirty-six, the last twenty-four being on the staff. Once Dave graduated Walt helped him fill in college applications and scholarships and the rest is history. I really enjoyed watching Walt tell the story. I haven't experienced him talking with such animation and pride, it was nice.