Chapter 63: Cast Away

He set his tools down and peeled off his gloves, heading over to the lightbox with the X-ray mounted on it. His eyes scanned over the image thoughtfully and carefully before he looked at me.

"It looks perfect. The bones align well and the break appears to have healed. I assume the pain you experienced yesterday may have been muscular," he suggested. "You said it's subsided now though, is that correct?" he asked, seeking clarity.

"Yeah, it's fine today. No complaints at all," I went on, flexing my fingers in the cast.

"Well then, if you're ready, I'd be happy to remove the cast for you," he replied with the tiniest hint of a smile.

I smiled in return and nodded, "I'd love that," I replied.

The removal went well. There were no hiccups and Ryder stood beside me the entire time, which was an immense comfort.

When we left Dr Kelly's office, I noted that Mary was nowhere to be seen. Can't say it broke my heart or anything like that.

As we made our way to the coffee shop next door, Ryd