Chapter 9: First Day of Therapy!

Erin was just chillin' on the bed, waiting for Maggie and Natalie to take her to therapy so she can start using her legs. While waiting, she started thinking about the dream she had earlier.

'What did Justin mean about real family?' she asked herself. The brunette's thoughts were interrupted by Kelly walking in. 'Hey,' he said with a smile as he stepped into the room. 'Hey, Kelly,' Erin greeted as she shifted on the bed a bit.

'You doing alright?' Kelly asked as he walked to sit in his usual chair. 'Ah, yeah, why wouldn't I be?' she asked, looking him in the eye.

'Just curious, I see you sitting up, so are they letting you out of this prison?' he joked. Erin couldn't help but laugh. 'No, I'm just waiting to start therapy. Maggie said I need to get my legs stronger before I can leave,' she explained.

Kelly nodded with curiosity, asking Erin how long it would take. Erin casually mentioned it would only be a few days before running her fingers through her hair.

'Want me to stick around and lend a hand?' Kelly offered, placing his hand on top of hers, to which Erin accepted.

'Nah, this time I want to tackle it solo, but I'll give you a heads up if I need backup,' the brunette explained. Kelly, with a grin, suggested getting food for both of them while Erin worked.

'Sounds like a plan, thanks!' Erin agreed, noting how much hospital food sucks. 'It's the worst,' the lieutenant chimed in, sharing a laugh with Erin.

'Their meat loaf is just painfully dry,' he added as Maggie and Natalie entered the room. Erin chuckled and said she'd keep that in mind. Maggie then asked if she was ready to start using her legs with a helping hand.

" Were going to stay in the s"Okay, let's go slow and head to the pool. The water will help your legs get stronger quicker," Natalie said encouragingly as the brunette stood up on shaky legs after being out for so long.

Kelly observed Erin standing up and went to get some food, assuming Erin would be in therapy for about an hour. "Have fun," he said to Erin as she smiled and bid him goodbye.

Once Erin was steady on her feet, Maggie and Natalie escorted her to the pool area, which thankfully wasn't crowded. Erin was grateful not to have people staring at her. "Alright, let's get you in a swimsuit," Maggie said as she guided Erin to the changing room.

Getting the brunette changed was a bit of a challenge, but eventually, Erin was in her swimsuit and they slowly eased into the water. Gripping the railing, Erin took careful steps down into the pool, with half of her legs submerged.

"At least the water is warm," she remarked once fully in, with Maggie nodding in agreement.wallow end for now, just keep holding the edge of the pool and just take small steps and just take it easy." Maggie said.

Erin nodded and did what she was told and start to move her legs while she held onto the edge of the pool keeping the other voices of other people out of her mind" Good now keep going." Natalie encouraged writing down in the chart.

《 Kelly》

Kelly drove up to a small diner, hopped out of his car to grab some lunch for himself and Erin. She was probably in the middle of her therapy by now, and hopefully, she'd be finished by the time he got back. He entered the diner and glanced at the menu. 'Hey, what can I get for you?' asked the waiter, flashing a big smile.

'I'll take two cheeseburgers and fries,' Kelly said, trying to brush off the waiter's flirty vibes, 'Oh, and two slices of that chocolate cake.'

The waiter grinned and replied, 'Sure thing! Anything else? Maybe my number?' Kelly chuckled and politely declined, 'No thanks.'

After paying for the meals, Kelly scanned the diner, noticing the TV blabbering on about Erin and the recent events.

'Should they just stop already?' he mumbled to himself, hoping Erin hadn't caught wind of it, although he had a feeling she did.

It took a bit for his order to be ready, then he grabbed it and left the diner for his car. As he was driving away, he noticed a person in a hood across the street, shaking their head.

After that, he drove to the hospital. Once he returned, Kelly brought two bags and thought of getting Erin a gift from the gift shop to keep her company.

He chose a small stuffed husky plushy and paid for it before going to Erin's room. Upon reaching her room after a couple of floors, he found her lying on the bed.

'Hey, seems like therapy wore you out,' Kelly joked, catching Erin's attention. 'It wasn't that bad,' Erin replied with a smile as Kelly placed the bags he had brought down.

Kelly grinned at her words, 'I hope you're up for cheeseburgers, fries, and maybe a slice of chocolate cake,' he said, earning a chuckle. 'Are you trying to fatten me up?' Erin joked as she grabbed the box with her food.

'Maybe, or maybe I'm just trying to spare you from hospital food,' Kelly said with a smile as he handed her the stuffed husky. 'Now you're spoiling me,' she teased, leaning forward with a smile. 'Thanks,' she said.

'Yeah, I figured you could use a buddy to root for you during therapy when I'm not around,' Kelly said with a nod, watching her lean in without knowing what she was doing.

'Thank you, I don't think I can handle being in here alone much longer. I mean, I have you and Hank, but no one's around at night except the doctors and nurses, and they're not the best company because they're busy,' Erin said, kissing Kelly's cheek.

Kelly smiled as he felt Erin kiss his cheek" I'm glad you enjoy my company." He said as the two sat back and began to eat their lunch.