*TW for mentions of sexual assault, kidnapping, captivity, torture*

Under the cover of darkness, a truck and horse trailer pulled up at a BLM holding corral, the truck's headlights illuminating the surrounding landscape. Inside the facility just over a dozen mustangs of varying ages and colors were being held, having been trapped on federal land and transported to here. The tallest horse, a palomino with blue eyes and a mane and tail like snow, trotted around the group, attempting to herd them together to protect them against this new threat.

'Wow.' The driver, a male in his late forties remarked as he finished drinking his iced coffee. 'Just look at those beauties.'

'They seem... frightened.' His female partner commented, watching the mustangs.

'Can you blame 'em?' He questioned with a shrug. 'Rounded up, separated from their families, locked in cages. All in the name of clearing grazing land for cattle ranchers. Disgusting. These animals were born free.' He looked at his crew made up of the woman seated in the passenger seat next to him and another two guys in the back seat. 'Y'all ready to do some good?'

'Yeah, yeah. Let's do it.'

They set to work, the driver reversing the trailer up to the gates of the corral. One of the guys led a saddled horse out of the trailer and mounted up, ready to herd the mustangs away from the gate until the trailer had been backed into position.

Tying a chain around the gate the woman waved for the driver to go on and the gates were ripped from their hinges, the mounted cowboy maintaining his position in the gateway as the woman and two other guys moved the gates aside so the trailer could be reversed up. Once the trailer was ready the mounted cowboy worked with those on foot to get the herd loaded up, the woman smiling as she watched the horses being loaded up. When the mustangs were all on board the partition was closed and the cowboy loaded up his horse, locked the trailer shut and joined the others back in the truck.

'Stop. Stop!' The facility manager shouted as he ran onto the road, trying to stop the horse thieves. 'Hey... Whoa, oh!'

The driver didn't stop.

The man was hit by the truck and sent flying off the side of the road but they continued on, not even bothering to go check on him. Inside the truck the crew whooped and cheered, the woman and the driver exchanging high-fives as they settled down for the long drive back to where the mustangs had been gathered from.

When they arrived at the federal land they stopped the truck, the cowboy leading his horse out of the trailer first and then the gate was opened, the mustangs flooding out of the trailer. The woman smiled as they witnessed the horses gallop off into the night, watching until they disappeared from view.

Another herd had been saved from slaughter.

Morning.

Maddie rolled over, sighing as she looked at the clock. 7:35.

Another day had arrived.

Another day to battle through.

Bubbles, stirred from her sleep, padded across the covers to her and nudged her cheek with her cold nose, purring loudly. 'Hey darlin...' She smiled sadly, rubbing beneath the cat's chin. 'Morning.'

Bubbles purred louder, relishing the attention.

She lingered there, watching the minutes tick by on her clock. It was Wednesday morning. That's right... She remembered after a moment. Jenny is bringing Rose by to spend the day.

Since Stella wasn't going to college now, their road trip had been canceled. Maddie was half grateful for that too since she hadn't been looking forward to the trip either. She still didn't like to leave the ranch. Being here she was safe, well, she felt safer being here then in town and that was enough for her. She was quite content to stay right here.

'Oh well... Better get up.' She remarked with a soft sigh when she checked the clock and saw that it was now eight in the morning. The smells of breakfast wafted into her room beneath her door and she took a guess from it that pancakes were on the menu. Giving Bubbles one last pat she set the cat aside and sat up, tossing the covers back. It was time to get on with her day.

After changing into her day clothes she got up her calendar on her phone to check her schedule. She had her PT tomorrow, her therapist would be coming out to the ranch for her appointment. She was thankful that she was able to have her appointments here rather than having to go into town for them.

Seeing that she had another counseling session on Friday, she sighed heavily. She'd been making some progress when she'd first begun counseling again after the kidnapping but just over a month ago now her case had been given to another counselor. The one she had previously had been great. She'd been understanding and let her speak and she got along with her. Unfortunately though, she had decided to quit her job and was now in full time study to become a social worker.

Her new councilor was a male and while she didn't have anything against him being a man, he was just... Different. She didn't feel that he cared about her at all. All he seemed fascinated by was what she had been put through. In a way, he creeped her out. The only good thing about it all was that her sessions were online through Zoom. She'd never actually met him face to face and didn't care to either.

'Just when I thought this week was going to be better too.' She mumbled beneath her breath, setting an alarm to remind her of her appointments so she didn't forget. She'd tried speaking to Cordell about changing councilors but he had just brushed her off and said to stick with the guy she'd been given. That was all well and good for him to say it too, he didn't have to put up with him. If anything, this councilor was only making things worse.

Returning her phone to her pocket she wheeled herself over to her dressing table and brushed her hair out. The section that had been shaved for her surgery had begun to grow back and if she styled her hair a certain way now, no one could tell the difference. It was just a small miracle that the chemo hadn't made her hair fall out and she was eternally grateful for that too. If she'd lost her hair... Well, that would have been what finally sent her over the edge.

With her hair finished she set about doing her makeup, ensuring that the dark circles beneath her eyes were buried beneath layers of concealer. After applying the final finishing touches she stopped, taking a moment to observe her reflection in the mirror and she bit her lip as she looked at the girl staring back at her.

She had changed.

Her eyes no longer sparkled. Instead, a haunted look had replaced the joy and happiness she once had. Even before when she had been living with her father, living through that abuse, she hadn't looked this bad. How she was now was much, much worse. Compared to what she had just gone through, living with her father and all that had been a cakewalk.

Just how much more of this could she take until it was finally too much?

Turning away from her mirror she patted her lap and Bubbles jumped onto her at the invitation, the girl wheeling herself over to the door. After unlocking the two barrel bolts she'd installed on her door herself she headed out into the hallway, the sounds of conversation in the kitchen reaching her ears.

'Maddie girl. Morning.' Bonham greeted from the table, a steaming mug of coffee in his hand. 'Sleep well?'

Maddie shrugged as Bubbles jumped down from her lap and trotted off to the laundry. 'The usual.' She carried on her way into the kitchen, joining Abeline at the stove. 'Pancakes?'

'Blueberry pancakes. You're favorite. And-' She took a heart cookie cutter from the bench, cutting a love heart out of one of the cooked pancakes. 'Ta-da.'

That brought a soft chuckle from Maddie, the girl smiling a little as her grandmother handed her the warm pancake. 'Thanks Mawline.'

'Anything for you, my girl.' She replied with a smile. 'Go sit up at the table. I'll bring your breakfast over in a moment.'

'Alright. Don't forget the extra maple syrup.'

'I'll make sure that there's plenty of maple syrup on them.' Abeline assured her, pouring some more pancake batter into the skillet as the teen headed out of the kitchen.

'Got anything special planned for today?' Bonham questioned as Maddie returned to the dining room, stopping her chair in the vacant space at the table.

'Jenny is dropping Rose off at nine. We're going to spend the day together before she goes back to school next week.'

He nodded, setting his mug down on the table again. 'Tilly will be here for your PT tomorrow at ten.'

'Already set a reminder. I won't forget.'

'You done your exercises yet?'

Maddie shook her head. 'I'll do them after Rose leaves.' Silence fell for a moment as she watched her grandmother in the kitchen then she turned back to Bonham. 'What are you doing today?'

'First thing I'll be doing is finishing off your walking frame. You'll be able to give it a try tomorrow.'

She nodded. 'Sounds good. See how much of an idiot I can make out of myself trying to walk again.'

'Don't speak about yourself like that.' Bonham reprimanded her gently. 'Any progress you make is progress.'

Maddie just sighed heavily.

Bonham looked at her closely. 'You okay, lil one?'

'Just leave me alone Grampa.' She replied softly. 'Okay?'

'Alright.' Taking the hint she wanted to be left alone he closed up his newspaper and stood, taking his coffee with him. 'I'm heading out Abby. Need anything from town? I've got to go pick up some feed later this morning.'

'If I think of anything, I'll let you know.' Came her reply from the kitchen.

'I'll see you later then Maddie.'

'Bye Grampa.'

Bonham left, Maddie staring off into the distance as she played with the locket around her neck. After a short while Abeline came into the dining room, Maddie jumping a little as she placed her plate down in front of her. Though Abeline noticed Maddie had zoned out again she didn't mention it and instead returned to the kitchen to begin cleaning up.

Looking down at her plate, a slight smile came to Maddie's lips. All her pancakes were in the shape of love hearts and generous helping of blueberries and maple syrup had been poured on top. 'Thanks Mawline.' She said, looking over at her grandmother as she picked up her fork and knife. 'This is really sweet.'

Abeline smiled. 'Glad you like it honey. There's enough batter to make a few more if you want. Just let me know.'

She nodded, digging into her breakfast.

Liam came in a short time after, grabbing his green smoothie from the fridge then pulled up a seat at the table across from Maddie. 'Morning.'

'Hey Uncle Liam.' She observed her uncle's attire, deducing from the fact that since he was wearing a short sleeve shirt soaked in perspiration and shorts, he'd been out running. 'Dad go running with you?' She wondered out loud, cutting another piece off her pancake.

Liam shook his head, setting down his drink container on the table. 'Cordi hasn't come running since...' His voice trailed off. He didn't need to finish off that sentence, Maddie knew exactly what he was speaking about. 'I actually wanted to speak with you about something though.'

'Yeah...' She raised an eyebrow, half hesitant, half curious about what it might be. 'I'm listening.'

'So, I've been speaking to an equine therapist.' He started, lowering his voice a little. 'She's agreed to come out here to work with me. I thought maybe... Maybe you might want to join us.'

Maddie sighed. 'I've already got one councilor, Uncle Liam.'

'No, no, this is different. I just thought maybe you might get something out of it. Just think about it, please?'

'Yeah, alright. I'll let you know. When will she be coming out?'

'Monday. I've still got to find a place to do it. I don't really want to do it here with all the ranch hands about...'

'There's a corral over at the Davidson's?' She suggested after thinking it over for a moment. 'I could speak to Colton for you, see if he's happy for you to borrow it for the day.'

'Yeah, yeah.' Liam nodded in agreement. 'That's a good idea. Thanks Maddie.'

'Maddie!'

'Hey Rosie gal.' Maddie chuckled as the little girl ran up the sidewalk from the car to her, Rose climbing onto her lap to give her a hug when she reached her. 'Hey. Did you have a good time away with your parents?'

Rose nodded, her arms still wrapped around her neck. 'We got to go to the beach and we went to Disneyland and SeaWorld and-'

'Slow down Rose.' Jenny exclaimed with a laugh, bringing a pet carrier with her as she walked up to them. 'Maddie can't understand a word you're saying when you speak so fast.'

Taking a deep breath, Rose started again. 'We went to the beach and Disneyland and Seaworld and Six Flags Magic Mountain and a bunch of other places I don't remember the names of.'

'Well, it sounds like you had a lot of fun then.'

She nodded decisively. 'Yep. Went on an airplane for the first time ever too.'

'Really? Was it scary?'

Rose laughed at that. 'Do I look like I get scared?'

Maddie chuckled, kissing her head. 'No.' She turned to Jenny as Rose's mother set the carrier with the two rabbits down beside her wheelchair. 'Nice to see you again Jenny.'

'Maddie.' She smiled. 'Been keeping well?'

'Well as I can be.' She replied honestly. 'Thank you for bringing Rose over. I've missed seeing her.'

'Of course. You were all she spoke about while we were gone. I'm afraid my little girl has positively spoilt you.'

'Oh?' Maddie turned to Rose, the girl still happily seated on her lap. 'Did you go and buy me something?'

'Mmhmm. Can you go get the bag out of the car please mommy?'

'Sure honey. Maddie, I've brought the playpen for the rabbits along too so they've got somewhere secure they can stay in if you guys need to leave them for a bit.'

'Great. We'll set that up in the laundry.'

As Jenny headed back to the car, Rose looked up at Maddie. 'What did you do this summer? Did you go away on holidays?'

Maddie shook her head. 'No, we didn't go away.'

'Did you do anything fun or special then?'

'Not really. I had to go to hospital a few times to finish off my treatments.'

'That doesn't sound like much fun.' Rose remarked, a little deflated. 'Why didn't you get to do anything fun?'

'Cause I needed to have my treatments, we couldn't go away. It's alright though, I don't mind.'

'Well, I guess it's a good thing I brought you some presents then.' She replied, sliding off Maddie's lap as Jenny returned with a large gift bag in one hand and the rabbit's metal playpen in the other. 'I'll take that mommy.'

'Thanks sweetheart.' Jenny said, passing her the bag. 'Maddie, you've got the rabbits?'

Maddie nodded, placing the carry cage onto her lap. 'Mmhmm. Can you get the door Rose?'

'Sure.' Rose bounded ahead, opening the door wide for Maddie and Jenny to come through. Seeing Abeline in the kitchen she quickly put the gift bag down on the table and sprinted over to give her a hug. 'Mrs. Walker!'

'Hey Rose.' Abeline greeted warmly as she was interrupted from washing the dishes by the very enthusiastic child and placed an arm around her. 'And I've told you before, you can call me Mawline. Mrs. Walker makes me sound old.'

Rose looked up at her thoughtfully, still hugging her waist. 'But you are old.'

Jenny and Maddie were both horrified at what Rose had come out with but Abeline just burst out laughing at her honest observation. 'I'm not that old honey.' She exclaimed with a laugh, ruffling the girl's hair playfully. 'Rascal.'

'I'm sorry.' Jenny apologized. 'Rose has the tendency to just blurt things out.'

'I don't mind, honest. I raised two boys of my own. I know what kids are like.'

Letting go of Abeline, Rose went back to her mother and took the playpen. 'I'll go get this set up in the laundry. Come help me Maddie?'

'Alright.'

Abeline shook her head with amusement as the two girls disappeared down the hallway, Jenny coming to join her in the kitchen. 'Thank you for bringing Rose by for the day. I know Maddie will really appreciate the visit.'

Jenny nodded, smiling as she heard Rose's laughter coming from the laundry. 'Rose has missed Maddie.' She replied, turning back to Abeline. 'By the way, how is she going?'

Abeline shrugged, returning to washing the dishes. 'I don't know. She won't talk about it. I've tried to speak with her but she just shuts down. I'll be honest, I'm worried about her. She's become so quiet and withdrawn. She won't leave the house, it was a nightmare taking her back to the hospital for her treatments.'

She shook her head. 'I'm so sorry. That must be so hard to deal with.'

'Unfortunately, it is what it is. Some days I can hardly coax her out of her bedroom.' The sound of Rose's laughter rang out again from the laundry, this time accompanied by Maddie's. Hearing it, she smiled a little. 'That's the first time I've heard her laugh since it happened.'

'Well, if anyone can help cheer her up a little, it's Rose. My daughter is a genuine ray of sunshine.'

'She's a real sweetheart.' She agreed. 'With your permission, I was wondering if maybe she could have a sleepover sometime. I think Maddie would enjoy that.'

'Yeah, yeah, sure. Just let me know when would suit you guys and I'll make it work.' Jenny replied as she took a look at her watch. 'I've got to run, I've got an appointment to get to and I'm already running late. I'll be back to pick Rose up around five.'

Abeline nodded. 'You're both welcome to stay for dinner if you'd like.'

'Thank you. I'll let you know.' She said as the two girls returned to the room, Rose carrying one rabbit and Maddie holding the other on her lap. 'I've got to go now honey. You be good for Abby and Maddie, alright?'

She nodded as her mother gave her a kiss on the head. 'I'll be good. Promise.'

'Have fun. Love you.'

'Love you too mommy.' Rose shouted after her, Jenny having disappeared through the house to the front door. Holding Patches in her arms she began looking around the kitchen. 'I'm hungry. Is there anything to eat?'

Maddie chuckled. 'You're always hungry, Rose.'

'Mama says I'm a growing girl.'

'How do some blueberry pancakes sound?' Abeline suggested, pulling the plug out of the sink. 'You can help me make them if you want.'

'Oh, yes please! Your pancakes are the best. Here-' She handed Patches to Maddie, the girl now having both dwarf rabbits on her lap. 'be good for Maddie, Patches.' She told the rabbit. 'I'm watching you.'

'I'm sure she'll behave.' Maddie remarked with a smile, Rose hurrying over to the sink to wash her hands. Carefully she wheeled herself back a little so that she wouldn't get in their way and sat back to watch them cook together. Seeing Abeline and Rose together brought a smile to her lips, Maddie chuckling softly when Rose managed to flick some of the pancake batter into her face.

Maybe, just maybe, today would be a good day.

After Rose finished having her snack and they had played with the rabbits for awhile, Maddie and Rose headed outside to go see her horses. Bel and Dakota came cantering over to the fence at Rose's call, Hope bounding along close behind.

'Oh she's growing up.' Rose squealed, seeing how big the foal was now. 'How old is she?'

Maddie did some quick mental math before she answered. 'Think she's close to five months old now? Maybe six? Yeah, that's about right I think.'

'She's so pretty.' Hope cautiously approached the fence, wondering who this new small human was. 'Can I pat her?'

'If she comes to you, yes. Hold your hand out to her, let her sniff you.' She instructed, Rose extending her hand towards the filly like she told her too. After a moment Hope took a couple cautious steps closer and warily sniffed her hand.

'She's tickling my hand.' Rose giggled. 'She's so cute.'

'Yeah, and she knows it too.' Maddie agreed, grabbing her phone out to take a photo of Rose patting the filly. 'Here.' She exclaimed once she'd gotten some photos, taking a couple carrots out of the basket beneath her wheelchair. 'You can offer them this.'

Cracking the carrots into smaller bits she began offering the pieces to the horses, the three of them crowding around her to accept the treats. 'Hey, stop nibbling my hair.' She laughed when Bel began to nibble at her blonde locks. 'It's not food.'

Maddie gave the mare a soft tap on the muzzle, Bel drawing back in surprise. 'Manners, big girl.'

'Can I ride them?' Rose asked once she'd given them all the carrots. 'I haven't been riding for forever.'

'Not today, sorry darlin. Bel hasn't been ridden since before Hope was born and I'm just not up to getting Dakota ready. Maybe another time.'

'That's okay. I understand. Mama said you haven't been well lately.'

'Yeah.' Maddie sighed softly as the two of them made their way back across the lawn to the shade of a nearby oak tree.

'I hope you feel better soon.'

'Thanks honey.'

Reaching the shade Rose sat down on the grass next to Maddie's chair, plucking a few blades of grass here and there. 'It's because of those bad men that took you and your dad, isn't it?'

After a moment, she nodded.

'I thought so.' Rose said softly, looking up at her. 'But you're gonna get through it. I pray for you every night before I go to sleep. God will help you be strong enough.'

At her child-strong faith, Maddie smiled a little. 'Thank you Rose. That means a lot.'

The little girl smiled back at her then after a moment got up and crawled onto her lap again. 'I really missed you, you know.'

Maddie kissed her head gently. 'I've missed you too.'

Letting out a sigh, Maddie flipped another page in her book then glanced at the time on her phone. Time seemed to pass by so slowly now. Well, apart from yesterday. Yesterday, the time had just seemed to fly by. Well, mainly, that was because Rose had been here to keep her company. For the first time since her kidnapping and being held captive with her father and uncle, she had been able to forget it all and be present in the moment. Rose was a wonder, she really was. Her sweet, happy nature had made it easy for all her troubles to be forgotten for the short time that she'd been there to visit them.

Thinking about Rose, Maddie placed her book down beside her on the bed and picked up the plush dolphin toy sitting beside her. Rose had completely spoiled the lot of them on her trip away, having brought back presents for everyone. Everyone in the Walker family now had a dolphin shaped key-chain from SeaWorld and magnets to go on the fridge in addition to some other knickknacks here and there. To each of the girls she had given a plush toy, Abeline receiving an otter, Stella a seal and Maddie the dolphin she was holding.

Turning the dolphin over in her hands, Maddie smiled sadly. Dolphins were her favorite sea creature but she had never seen one in real life yet. Seeing dolphins and swimming with them had been written down on that bucket list she had written with her mother but they never had the chance to go see them before she had passed.

Bubbles, waking from her nap, padded over to her to receive attention and she placed the plush toy down once more to pet her cat. Thursday. She pondered, Bubbles purring loudly as she curled up next to her. She sighed again. The days just seemed to blend into one another these days. There was nothing special or exciting happening, no joy in living. It was hard enough just to wake up each morning and keep going.

Was this how her father felt?

Despite the fact that this was his last week before returning to work, she had hardly seen her father. It seemed like Cordell did everything to avoid her after that half-hearted attempt at speaking with her, to try to apologize for when he'd gone off at her earlier Sunday evening. She admitted to herself that he had frightened her that day, something that she'd never felt before being with him. She'd never felt anything apart from safe with him, up until now. He had changed. She knew it. She could see it, feel it. She'd never seen him so angry before and it was way out of character for him to take it out on his children. Usually he was her comforter, her rock, her protector but now she felt like she was walking on ice around him, just waiting for the moment he cracked and she was plunged into the frigid waters below. She needed him but he didn't see it.

He couldn't see just how much she was hurting because of his own demons.

Because of his own pain.

'Maddie-' A knock sounded on the door-frame and Bonham appeared in the open doorway. 'Tilly just arrived.' He announced when she looked up. 'You ready?'

Maddie nodded and swung her legs over the side of the bed, moving herself from bed to wheelchair. Following her grandfather out into the living room she stopped and waited as he went to let her therapist into the house. Grabbing her phone out from her pocket she checked her last message to her father.

Tilly is coming this morning. Grampa can do my session with me but I'd really like it if you could come instead. Let me know.

He had viewed the message but hadn't replied.

Turning the screen off again she swallowed the rising lump in her throat.

She wanted her father back.

She needed him back.

How much longer did she have to suffer in silence before he realized what his absence was doing to her?

After all, they had been in that cage together. She had been there. She knew what he had gone through. She had seen Liam tortured. She had been threatened with a fake execution, not to mention the fact that she had been beaten and sexually assaulted by Sean's thugs. She could have died there, had it not been for the fact that her father and uncle carried her out of there. They had made it through that nightmare but now Cordell had become so distant from her it was hard to believe there had once been a time when he had cared for her. When he'd been the father she'd only been able to dream about.

It seemed like a lifetime had passed since he had hugged her or smiled at her or sat down and spoken with her.

She missed him.

Missed the man who had become her father.

'Maddie.'

Her thoughts were interrupted by Tilly's greeting and she faked a smile as she returned her phone to her pocket, her grandfather and physiotherapist joining her in the living room.

'How are we this morning?'

'I'm okay, thank you for asking ma'am.' Maddie replied. 'And you?'

'Never better.' She smiled as she sat down across from her. 'Who will be helping us today?'

'Grampa. Dad was supposed to come but he had other things to do.'

'I see.' Tilly took a chart with Maddie's information from out of her bag and turned back to the teen. 'Well, shall we begin?'

'Well, you are making remarkable progress.' Tilly exclaimed once Maddie had finished going through her exercises. 'You should be very proud of yourself. Your hard work is paying off.'

Maddie smiled sadly as she moved herself from couch to wheelchair once more. 'Thank you ma'am.' She paused for a moment then turned to the therapist again. 'When will I be able to walk normally again?'

Tilly took a deep breath, looking over the chart in her hand for a long moment before turning her attention to Maddie again. 'Well, if you keep progressing like this, I'd say you'll be able to walk again without any assistance in maybe six months to a year. We don't want to push things even though you are making great progress. We still have to be patient.'

Six months to another year? Maddie nodded, processing the fact that she could still be wheelchair bound for a good few more months ahead.

'But with your determination-' Tilly continued. 'and the fact that you are dedicated to putting in the time and effort, it could be sooner. I will honestly admit that your progress has been remarkable. Most patients I see aren't even close to where you are now in the same time frame.'

'Maddie sure has been putting the work in.' Bonham complimented, placing his hand on her shoulder.

The teen smiled sadly and looked up at him. 'I wouldn't have been able to get this far without you and Mawline to help me. I couldn't have done it on my own.'

'You have to give yourself some credit too though darlin.'

She chuckled a little at that. 'I know.'

'Well-' Tilly returned her chart and a few other items back to her bag. 'Since you have been progressing so well, how about we go and try out that walking frame your grandfather has set up in the barn? Have you tried using it yet?'

Maddie shook her head. 'Grampa only finished it yesterday and I wanted to wait until you gave me the go ahead.'

'Alright, well in that case then let's go see how we do there today.'

She nodded in agreement. 'Right. Let's do it.'

The three of them made their way out of the house to the barn, Bonham clearing the ranch hands out of the tack room where he'd set up a space for Maddie's walking frame. Once they had left to give her privacy, Maddie wheeled herself over to the walking frame. Two steel pipes five yards long at waist height set a couple feet apart had been put together to simulate the frame at the hospital.

'Just take your time.' Tilly instructed as Maddie took hold of the two rails, the teen slowly getting to her feet. 'There's no rush.'

Maddie nodded as she stood, taking a moment to let herself get used to the feeling of standing before she tried walking. Her legs felt like jelly when she stood on them but they were slowly getting stronger. It would take time though to build up her strength and muscle once more. She knew that but at the same time it was frustrating. She was so sick of that damn chair...

'When you're ready, begin.'

She nodded again, Bonham and the therapist standing either side of her to catch her if it looked like she were going to fall. Carefully and slowly she transferred her weight fully onto her right leg then brought her left foot up and forward before placing it down once more. Her brown was furrowed with concentration as she transferred her weight to her left leg, brought her right foot up and forward and walked another step.

Slowly, ever so slowly and carefully, she began walking down the length of the frame.

As Bonham watched his granddaughter take her first proper steps in months, his heart felt like it was going to burst with pride. Even after all she had been through she was still trying. She was still fighting. 'That's it my darlin. Just like that.' He encouraged gently, he and Tilly slowly walking along with her. 'You're doing great.'

A faint smile came to her lips as she took another step. She was beginning to tire already but it felt so good to be walking again. Actually walking. Not half dragging herself like she had the other day to get up and down those damn stairs in that farmhouse. Thank goodness no one had found out about that. Stella, August and Todd wouldn't be telling anyone in a hurry that she had done it either.

Finally, as she made it to the end, a real smile began to creep across her lips. Reaching the end she let out a huge sigh of relief, taking a moment to rest.

'Well done, well done darlin.' Bonham encouraged, rubbing her back as she caught her breath. 'You did so well.'

'Remarkable job Maddie.' Tilly agreed. 'Do you think you can make it back to your chair?'

After thinking it over for a moment, she nodded. 'I-I want to try it on my own, if that's okay?' She questioned, looking up at her grandfather and the therapist. 'I think I'll be alright.'

'Alright, if you want to give it a go on your own and think you are ready, go for it.' Tilly replied. 'But take it easy. Don't push yourself too hard. There's no shame in stopping before you make it to the end.'

Maddie nodded again.

'Be careful.' Bonham cautioned, pressing a kiss to her head. 'Wouldn't you want to fall and undo all that hard work.'

'I'll be careful.' She promised and after a moment, Boham joined Tilly at the other end of the frame where her wheelchair waited.

Taking a deep breath, Maddie slowly turned herself around.

Transfer weight to right leg. Left foot up, forward, down. Transfer weight to left leg. Right foot up, forward and down.

Repeat.

Slowly, slowly and carefully, she walked herself down the frame towards her grandfather and her therapist.

Maddie could feel her strength beginning to give way on her just before she reached the halfway point and stopped for a moment to rest.

'You can do it my girl.' Bonham encouraged with a smile, waiting for her at the end of the frame. 'You can do it.'

At his encouragement and faith in her, Maddie stepped forward again.

Transfer weight to right leg. Left foot up, forward, down. Transfer weight to left leg. Right foot up, forward and down.

Repeat.

All she focused on was her grandfather standing at the end, waiting for her. Only a few more steps now... She could make it. Gingerly she let go of the pole with one hand, testing herself to see if she could balance herself without holding onto the walking frame for support. Another step forward. Only three left to go until the end.

Slowly, slowly, she let go of the second rail.

Though her legs were shaking and her strength was starting to give out on her, she was standing. On her own!

Carefully, concentrating on her grandfather, she stepped forward. Once. Twice.

She was walking!

As Maddie reached the end of the walking frame, Bonham took her in his arms and held her tight. 'I am so proud of you honey.' He said, kissing her head as he became teary-eyed. 'I am so so proud of you.'

Tears of joy rolled down Maddie's cheeks as she held her grandfather back tightly. She had done it. She had walked again.

For the first time in almost six months, she was able to walk again.

When Maddie finally gained her composure again she looked up at her grandfather. 'Thank-thank you. For giving me the courage to believe in myself again.'

Bonham smiled, kissing her on her head. 'You did this all on your own my girl. I'm only here to help you. You know... You're stronger than you think you are.'

'Yeah.' She chuckled a little. 'I love you so much Grampa.'

'And I love you too, my girl.' He said, gently wiping her cheeks dry with his thumb. 'And I am so, so proud of you...'