My next appointment was on a bright morning when the trees outside Richard’s house were beginning to show the first colors of autumn.

The doctor said my ribs were healing as expected, though it would be weeks before lifting Noah without assistance was comfortable and safe.

The cast would remain for a while longer.

I was impatient.

Everyone in the room could tell.

On the way home, Richard asked if I wanted to stop at my apartment.

I had not been back since the accident.

We called Celeste to make sure the trip fit the discharge plan, then drove there with Beatrice and Noah.