"So, what's the verdict, doc?" Cade sat back in his chair and tried to keep a blank look on his face. His heart pounded and his palms were sweaty. He already knew the answer. It was just a case of having it given to him in an official capacity.
"Well, I've gone over the scans your doctor sent in the other day and I'm afraid there is nothing more I can do." He sat back in his chair and took off his glasses, pinching the skin on the top of his nose. "I know we've been down this track before, Cade. Your long injury history was always going to work against you eventually."
Cade sucked in a breath and looked away from the sympathetic gaze the doctor gave him.
"We also need to take your age into account."
"That's bullshit and you know it. There are guys older than me on the team."
"Yes there are, but have they had the injuries you have?"
"So, now what? Throw me a bone and wave goodbye? Rugby is my life."
"I understand that, and I'm sure management has strategies in place to help you adjust to life after sport. For now, I can only suggest taking it easy until your leg is strong enough to take off the brace. I suspect you may be left with a slight limp, but that shouldn't impede everyday life."
"Thanks, Doc." Cade glanced around the room he’d become familiar with over the length of his football career. He stood and reached across the table to shake hands. "Guess we won't be crossing paths again, but I appreciate all you've done for me."
"Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I'll fax my report over to the team manager now. I understand you have an appointment with them today."
"Cheers." Cade turned and hobbled from the room. He made it down to the car park and slid behind the wheel before he embarrassed himself with tears. Knowing it was coming hadn't made the result any easier to take. Gutted, he reached for his emergency stash of whiskey in the glove box, only to remember he'd drunk that last time he was here.
Alcohol never fixed anything anyway and it was time he stopped using it for a crutch. He had to face life and what it dealt out, head on. He slammed his hands on the steering wheel and cursed his luck as the tears ran unheeded down his face. The outside world blurred as his emotions rolled between despair and acceptance.
When he calmed down, Cade opened the window to let some fresh air in and wiped his sleeve across his eyes. Looking in the mirror, he shook his head. Not a good look, buddy, get your shit together and move on. You made a promise, now it’s time to keep it.
There was a meeting to attend before he could go home and take control of his destiny, and he wanted it over and done with before he wavered from the path he'd finally accepted.
Cade drove to the home grounds and made his way to the team manager’s office.
"Cade. Come in. Doc just sent the report through." Dave Dickson shook his hand and guided him to a seat in front of his desk. "I'm gutted for you, buddy."
"Yeah, well it's not that unexpected, is it?" Cade let the crutches drop to the ground.
"I guess not but still, we were hoping for better news. We need to decide what to do. You still have eight months to run on your contract and we will honour that money-wise, of course. I need you to work out how you want to be paid, up front or monthly as always."
"Leave it how it is for now. I think my party days are over anyway."
"We don't want to lose you entirely, Cade. I was thinking of the mentoring scheme we’re putting in place for schools. Would you be interested in working with us on that? It would only be a couple of days a month but we could sure use someone like you to help draw in the young kids with talent."
Dave looked at him expectantly and it took Cade bare seconds to make up his mind. "To tell you the truth, Dave, I don't think so. I'm more interested in getting involved in the family farm. Now the old man is dead, I'm more than ready to go back to my roots and help keep the place going for future generations. I appreciate the offer though."
The crestfallen look on Dave's face made Cade smile. He’d surprised himself walking away from the sport but his mind was made up. Now for the next part of the plan.
* * *
He drove up the driveway without the pang of disappointment he usually suffered when returning home. The past was past and now Cade was ready for the next part of his life. I keep my promises, Mother. If nothing else, I've always done that.
He drove around to the old stables and parked in the same spot Kate kicked him out of the day he came home for the funeral. When he got out of the vehicle, he threw his crutches in the corner of the woodpile. Take that. Molly came running up to him, excited to see him back. He leaned down and rubbed his fingers around her soft ears, accepting the quick little licks from her. With her at his heels, he alternated between hopping and walking into the kitchen.
"Home already, Cade." Essie took a tray of cookies from the oven.
"Yes, Essie. All the city doctors and stuff is over and done with. Now I'm home
