No Man Left Behind: A Veteran Inspired Charity Anthology by Elizabeth Knox (black authors fiction TXT) 📕

realize how cold I was until the hot water hit my freezing skin. My hands burn, but I keep them in the water, adding soap, I clean them. Squinting through the steam, I see that it’s not that bad. The scrapes aren’t that deep and are minimal. Finishing my shower, I wrap my ankle in an Ace bandage and my left hand in gauze. It had one deep abrasion that won't stop seeping droplets of blood. It should scab over by the end of the day . . . Well, as long as I can stay on my feet and don’t take another spill.

Throwing on my scrubs, I let Careful in the back door. He rushes to his food bowl. I toss a couple of scoops of food in and grab my shoes and coat. Slipping them on, I step carefully out the door.

I have two appointments this morning, and then I’m meeting a friend for lunch. Wonderful thoughts of Sarah bring a warm smile to my face. Sarah works for K9s for Warriors and if not for her, I may not have gotten Careful or the wonderful plans for him couldn’t be possible.

Jumping into my Jeep, I steer toward the other side of town to my first appointment. An older gentleman, with reconstructive knee surgery. With it being a small town, the trip was short. Pulling into the drive of the small house, I painstakingly climb out of the vehicle and traverse the wet and icy terrain to the front door with my equipment bag. After knocking on the door, I hear a gruff “Enter.”

“Hello, Mr. Williams. How are you today?”

“Sweetie, I told you to call me John. I could be better. My body could stop falling apart on me,” he chuckles as he takes a seat in the straight back kitchen chair. Giving my hand a quick glance, he just shrugs. He knows I’m a klutz.

“Sure thing, John,” I say with a wink. “So, let’s get started.”

“Let’s get to it, then,” he responds with less enthusiasm. “You know, you’re a real dandy. You should have had some man snatch you up by now.” I start to work him through his exercises.

“I don’t want just any man, I want someone special,” I reply, thoughts of Sam dance through my mind.

“I know that look. You’ve already got someone special.” He laughs then groans as I rotate his knee slightly.

“Sorry. Have you been doing your routine like I’ve shown you?” I ask, changing the subject and getting back to business.

He grunts, not fooled by my tactic. “Yeah, sure . . . I’ve willingly tortured myself.”

I hide my grin as I clean up and sanitize before packing everything away. “Same time next week?” I ask.

“Yup, I’ll see you then. And maybe you’ll be more willing to let me in on who your sweetheart is,” he chuckles.

Shaking my head, I head to the door. With a wave, I’m off to my other appointment.

A light snow began to fall while I was inside, I limp to the Jeep as quick as I can.

I drive to the middle of town to Ms. Clines. She had broken her hip and is now recovered enough to start physical therapy.

Pulling up to the cute little cottage with a white picket fence, I park on the street in front. Grabbing my gear, I walk to the back of the Jeep. Opening the back door, I pull out a new walker with wheels on the front legs and a seat in the middle. This should get her moving.

Stepping up to the front door, I tap the doorbell. The musical chimes echo through the door. An elder lady answers the door.

“Hello, dear.” She greets me with a warm smile that reaches her eyes.

“Good morning, Ms. Clines. How’s your sister today?” I ask, returning her smile.

“She’s ornery as ever, but I think she’s on the mend,” she answers as she shows me through the house to the sitting room. I observe a white-haired woman sitting upright in a wingback chair. A wheelchair is parked next to it.

“Hello, Aggie. How has the day been treating you?” I ask as I set up my equipment.

“It could be better and if my arthritis would cut its shit out,” she grumbles good naturedly.

“Agnus, language!” her sister gasps.

“Language, please,” she hmphs.

“Ladies, it’s perfectly fine. I’ve heard worse,” I giggle at their banter.

“What do you have there?” Aggie asks as she points to the walker. I cringe, I was hoping to get to that after I worked her hip some. She’s a very independent woman and the accident has really affected her emotionally.

“That, my sweet lady, is your new ride. It’s time to make you mobile again.” I grin at her.

“Hmphs . . . We will see, dear,” she remarks.

We get to work on her exercises, I explain as we move through a routine. After thirty minutes, I can tell she’s getting fatigued.

“Let’s call it a day and try out your new wheels,” I encourage with a too bright smile that is all teeth.

“Fine, if it’ll get me to my bed. I’m in need of a midmorning nap,” she states as I giggle behind my hand. The poor woman has been through hell. I show her how to use the equipment, and then help her to her room. Her home health nurse is there waiting. I say my goodbyes and grab my gear before leaving.

I stop by the house to let Careful out and change my clothes for my lunch date.

After giving him a dog biscuit and some love, I set off for my favorite bistro that makes the best mini quiche.

Sarah’s already waiting on me with a table. I smile when I see her. She stands and I close the distance. We embrace for a moment before sitting down.

“What’s up, sista?” she asks in a laughing tone.

“Life, lady, life,” I chuckle as she nods in agreement. “What’s up with you?”

“Girl, the same. How’s Mr. Hot and Bothered?” she asks as she wiggles her eyebrows at me. Glancing