Chapter 14—

A/N: Thank you for everyone's feedback and ideas. The idea with Jeremy and Amanda is a great idea, but I think I need to do another chapter first, but I promise there will be a chapter like that soon. Thanks again for the feedback, please keep it coming.

Steve and Jeremy were chatting about sports, and other things, when they arrived at the hospital room where Jeremy had spent so much time in the recent months. As they were turning the corner to the room, Steve and Jeremy were talking about running.

"Yeah, I got used to running when I was in boot camp; in fact I actually learned to enjoy the freedom. My dad runs daily, and I would once in while go running with him." Jeremy said remembering the thrill of running. But he was unsure with his injured knee and of course the complete lack of sight.

"Actually, I do not see why you cannot eventually go back to running. Your knee is healing well, but of course I would not put your knee through a marathon, but a few miles a week would not be a bad idea. Of course, I would start slow." Steve said, excited about seeing some kind of passion in Jeremy. Steve had over time learned that patients who could either develop or rekindle a passion for something, usually did better in the long term.

"You cannot be serious?! I cannot run anymore… I cannot see where I am going." Jeremy was a little confused.

"Sure you can. All you need is a guide. Perhaps you and your Dad could go running together." Steve said trying not to stifle Jeremy's enthusiasm.

"I do not know whether or not Dad would want to take the time." Jeremy thinking back to all the times in the past that Frank had not had the time for Jeremy.

"All you have to do is ask. Look, we are back at your room… did you not say that you wanted to change before your folks got here?" Steve asked.

"Yeah, I guess I do. Thanks Steve for everything." Jeremy turned and headed for the small closet, where he knew there was a clean pair of jeans and a collared shirt. Jeremy had learned to count the steps from the closet to the bathroom, to the bathroom to the bed, etc. He of course used the cane to ensure that he did not bump into anything.

Jeremy was sitting on the bed strapping his knee brace back on when Denise walked in. Denise was both pleased and excited to see Jeremy make as much progress both physically and mentally in the recent months.

"Hi Mom, I thought that Dad was coming." Jeremy said with a smile.

"Hi yourself. How did you know it was me? And unfortunately, your Dad is not coming to dinner with us, as he got called away… you know it's an Army thing." Denise said marveling at how good her son looked.

"I knew it was you by your perfume. Cool Water, right? And I did not hear Dad's heavy boots on the floor." Jeremy said, actually being impressed with himself for remembering his mother's favorite perfume. As this was the same birthday gift that Jeremy has given Denise for years.

"I am impressed. Well since your father could not join us this evening, I asked Amanda to come along with us, I hope you do not mind."

"No that sounds great… I wish Dad was going to join us though." Jeremy was a little disappointed that Frank was not going to be joining them, because there was so much he wanted to talk to Denise and Frank about. Amanda was a wonderful and sweet girl, but Jeremy knew there would never be a future for them together, as it was not fair to her to have endured his very physical limitations. However, a friend was always nice to have. Also, so long ago they had both shared something very special in that gazebo, but really nothing more than a friendship could come from that.

"Your Dad will join us later at home for desert. As that is my other surprise for you this evening… I have asked Dr. Steinbach if you could spend an evening at home, since you will be coming there in a week or so. At first he was reluctant, just based on your equilibrium being a bit off, but he remembered what a wonderful nurse that I am." Denise said sarcastically.

"Yeah, and mother too." Jeremy was not being sarcastic, as he was fully aware of the fact hat he would not be where he was in his recovery without her.

"That was nice for you to say. Are you ready to go?" Denise replied.

"Yeah, in a minute I just have to find my cane. " Jeremy quickly found the cane next to him on the bed. Denise walked over to him, and he took her arm.