A/N: HERE IS A SHORT CHAPTER, ANOTHER LITTLE BRIDGE. HOPE YOU LIKE THIS ONE. NO, CAN'T CLAIM THEM.
CHAPTER 36: NOWHERE BUT UP
The new year brought new independence of Woody. Max had left on his trip, for one month, to Ireland. So Woody and Bailey the dog, had the house to themselves; that was when he could convince Jordan that everything was alright and she should go home to her own apartment. He had his car and with that, the freedom to come and go as he pleased. He no longer had to rely on others or wait for anyone to get from place to place. He was able, and that was a good feeling.
The new year also brought Woody new love, well an old love renewed. His relationship with Jordan had truly blossomed into something special. He knew that life and love would be difficult, but he also knew that in the end, it was all worth it. They would argue and disagree, but the bond they shared couldn't be broken. If everything that had happened in the last eight months, heck the last four years, couldn't break their love, then nothing would.
And finally, the new year brought new hope, hope for a recovery. Not just a physical recovery, that might never happen, but a psychological and emotional recovery. Woody was still plagued with nightmares and panic attacks. Certain noises like a creaking door ,a loud crash or car backfiring made him jump in his seat. And of course gunfire, gunfire was the worst, it made his skin crawl whenever he had to go to the firing range. Even the feel of his gun was different, and the fact that he couldn't use it unless he was sitting wasn't very reassuring. And different places like old musty buildings and certain smells made him feel sick. He wondered when or if things would everfeel 'normal' again.
It was Woody's first therapy session of the new year, the last few weeks were filled with new, more intensive exercises and weird contraptions that looked like torture devices. Mike, the therapist was always so positive and hopeful, trying to convince Woody that all this work would soon pay off. "You're making good progress. Woody.", Mike stated that morning. "Really, 'cause I can't tell?", Woody replied, sounding discouraged. "C'mon, I know it's slow, but there is some improvement. You've got some feeling and strength back in your hips and a little feeling in your upper thighs; so I think we can get you upright soon..", Mike said with a smile. "How?….My legs…" Woody asked, totally confused. "Don't need 'em……", Mike started, but was interrupted by Woody,"Huh?". Mike chuckled, "We'll get you fitted for some braces, they'll support your legs and hips while your arms stabilize you.", he explained. "Wait a minute….", Woody stated in disbelief. "Woody listen, we're going to get you standing, not send you to Mars.", Mike laughed.
After therapy session and consult, Woody's head was spinning. He found himself at the morgue, not remembering exactly how he got there. When the elevator doors opened, Woody sat starring into space until a voice called out, "Hey Woody, you okay?", Bug asked. Woody woke from his trance and pushed forward. "Yeah Bug, fine. Hey Bug, I kinda need a favor.", Woody stated. "Sure Woody, anything.", Bug replied. "Where's Nigel?", he asked. Bug sighed, "In the break room." Woody thought for a minute, "What about Lily?" Bug turned to look, "She's in her office. Why?", Bug asked, starting to worry. "Dr. Macy?", Woody asked. "In trace with Jordan.", Bug answered. "Ooh, not good. Jordan can't know. I'll talk to him later.", Woody said as he headed for Lily's office. "Woody, are you in some kind or trouble?", Bug demanded. "No Bug , well not yet anyway, just as long as I don't get caught.", Woody turned back with a smile.