Ryan Phillips, a speech and language pathologist in the physical rehabilitation unit of a major university hospital, has recently been wounded by the ending of a relationship. He is called in to treat a patient suffering from a traumatic brain injury. In the course of his treatments, he begins to have feelings for the man.<br><br>But is he ready to be healed, and will the patient heal enough to be able to return the love growing between them? Can he find the words to express it?

Finding the Words

Ryan smiled. Mr. Thompson narrowed his eyes. He opened his mouth and ran his tongue over his lips. He made a soft moaning sound. Ryan made note of all this. 


Ryan turned and picked up a cup and poured water from the pitcher on the bed table. He placed a straw in the water and held the cup to the man’s lips. He took a sip and swallowed. 


Very good, Ryan thought. He has some basic reflexive function. 


“Mr. Thompson, I’m Ryan, I’m a speech therapist. Do you know where you are?


The patient opened his mouth. Ryan watched to see if there was tongue movement as he tried to form a response. Mr. Thompson gave up and breathed through his nose and closed his eyes. Ryan placed his hand on his shoulder, again. 


“That’s fine. It will get better. ow, try to shake your head or nod while I ask you some questions.”


Ryan asked again if he knew where he was. This time Mr. Thompson shook his head slightly. 


Chapter 3