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

Bob stepped forward. With his good hand, André clipped his leash to his collar. He did the same for Daisy. Rosie, however, chose to roll over on her back and André handed the leash to Ryan, who did the honors. 


André then handed Ryan the nail pouch. On the left side were plastic bags, on the right small doggie treats. 


“Here, you,” André said, making a gesture around his waist. 


Ryan tied the pouch. André handed him Bob’s lead to add to Rosie’s, and kept Daisy’s for himself


They made there way out the back door, down the steps, around the side of the house and out the gate. Despite the furious display that the pack had put on at the mention of the word walk, they were now the picture of perfect ladies and gentleman. They walked peacefully at the sides of the men, with only an occasional lunge or sudden stop as they encountered some delicious scent which was beyond the capability of human olfactory sensitivity to appreciate. 


Chapter 16