Eighty-nine

I watch through the window as Brianna takes her first steps without help. She has a hand on the railing and the other stretched out for balance. Her instructor sticks close to her, murmuring what I hope are words of encouragement. They reach one end of the wall and grin at each other, then Brianna resumes.

They look up at the same time I enter inside, Brianna waves. I wave back. Hand deep in my pocket, I cross my legs at the ankle and lean on the wall. I give her a thumbs up. She is making so much progress. 

The hall is like a ballet room with silver railings attached to the white walls for stretching. The duo stop at the end of the room, Brianna turns and I cross the distance. My princess beams at me. I take her hand so she can lean on me for support while her instructor goes to get her Rollator. Her palms are clammy.

“Hey.” She looks up. “You did good today.” 

Her brown eyes remain on my face a minute longer like she do