'Are you saying it will be ... a simple . . . stepwise progression?'
I shook my head.
'Far from it. There'll be constant challenges. Times when you seem stuck and aren't moving at all. But if you take it at a reasonable pace - value yourself, care for yourself, allow yourself to be helped - you'll handle the challenges. You'll surprise yourself at how well you cope.'
He listened, but edgily. Like someone who'd craved ice cream and had been offered celery.
'Do you still remember my number?' I asked.
He recited the seven digits automatically, then looked amazed, as if he'd spoken in tongues.
'Call me if you want to talk,' I said. 'Dr. Levi says it's okay. When you're through up here, we'll get together, do some planning. Okay?'
'That would be - I'd like that - I'll look forward to that.'
Susan had started walking toward us. He saw her and stood. Extended his hand.
'It was good to see you,' he said.
I shook the hand, released it, and put my arms around him. Heard a sharp intake of breath, a suppressed sob, the sound of a lost child finding a familiar signpost. Then two whispered words:
'Thank you.'
