Every time Robert was with Gini, he felt at peace. In many ways, she was childlike, and yet he never thought of her as anything other than a woman. With each new accomplishment, he was delighted for her. She had a will like none he’d seen. Each time they played braille cards and she won, it was as if it was the first time; that same wonderful joy filled the room. She was special, one of a kind. Seeing her success gave him hope for all brain trauma patients, an optimism he realized he’d never had before.
The divorce and Debbie taking over Gini’s guardianship had changed the schedule for Gini’s release from the rehab center. Debbie had gone over and over it in her mind. The choice seemed easy; she was going to live with Gini and take care of her the rest of her life. And then, on second thought, it was the most difficult decision she’d ever had to make—more difficult than coming out. There were two other people in their lives. She had to consider what would be the best for everyone involved. She knew Lisa loved Gini as much as she did, and Ric had waited a long time to be with her.
Both Robert and John had left the decision up to Debbie. She knew everything about Gini, and they trusted she would make the right choice. Ric was happy Debbie was appointed Gini’s guardian. She was like a junkyard watchdog. No one was going to get near Gini in Debbie’s care, and he knew Gini was very attached to her. Once they got settled, he and Gini would get married, and then he’d be her guardian.
Gini was with Aaron in the gym. Debbie went to the cafeteria to get a snack. When she walked in, Robert was at a table reading the news on his tablet.
“Debbie, come join me. How’s it going? Decided where Gini goes from here?”
“I’ve figured out only part of the solution.” She sighed.
“What’s the problem?”
“No problems, just a couple of dilemmas.”
She told him she had decided to have Gini live with her. Saying it, she still hesitated, wondering if it was the right decision.
He smiled and patted her arm. “I figured as much.”
“That means I won’t be going back to the team or working here.”
“I know.”
“I have some savings, and with the divorce settlement, Franco left Gini in good shape financially.”
She went on to explain that Lisa, Debbie, and Gini could all live together, but where? And then there was Ric. He had been persistent that he would live with Gini. Debbie had to give that some consideration since he had been so devoted to Gini from the day of the accident. Debbie’s place wasn’t big enough for so many people. Ric had told her his house was a two-story, and she hadn’t seen Gini’s place. Having a man live under the same roof was going to be strange for her, especially since Ric was adamant he would share Gini’s bed.
“I don’t think Gini knows how to be intimate. She doesn’t even know how to kiss,” she said.
“You’re right, Deb, she has a child’s thinking on a lot of things.”
“Do you see that changing?”
“No, probably not.”
Robert thought for a moment. “I think we need to start introducing Gini to the outside world. I want to take her outside. We’ll start on the quiet side of the building so she can get used to outside noises. If you’re going to put her in a car and take her away, we need to prepare her.”
“I agree. That’s a good idea.”
He gathered his things.
“Take your time deciding where you want to live. Maybe you should ask Ric if he can take you to Gini’s condo and check it out, and his place as well.”
“Yes, that’s what I’ll do. Thanks.”
Walking back to his office, Robert felt the cold grip of reality. Not only was Gini going to be leaving, but the extraordinary nurse he had been so blessed to have on his team was also going. He’d always considered her a friend as well as a colleague, but now, after seeing her nearly every day in a home setting rather than a professional one, he realized how much he depended on their friendship. He knew she knew how he felt about Gini. He was still pushing those feelings away as hard as he could, but Debbie knew without saying a word. So much a friend, she shielded him when he couldn’t help but draw Gini close to him. She quietly pulled the blinds so no one else saw his unprofessional behavior. Eating lunch with them in the unit, the two of them discussing where he should focus his career, and her crying out to him for help with a decision that was life-changing for both her and Gini, made it feel like they were a family, not just team members. But he was a professional and more mature than he had been with his first patient romance. He would deal with it and move on—he was a dedicated physician. There were still many people who would depend on his skills; he had trained so long to learn, to save their lives.
The next week, Robert took Gini to the side of the building. She took care with each step, but with both Debbie and Dr. Young with her, she felt safe and eventually started enjoying the walk. The fruit trees were fully bloomed, and they filled the air with their fragrance.
“Can you smell the cherry blossoms?” he asked.
“Oh… yes…” She tilted her head back and took in deep breaths. “Smeel…uff…fluor.”
Every day, either Robert or Debbie took her out, gradually making
