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

“Nurse Sietz if you don’t mind,” she responded. 


Taking a steadying breath, he started again. “Nurse Sietz, could I have a word with you?” He turned and walked to the kitchen. She followed. André got up and took the dogs to the living room. 


He spoke in a low voice. “Look, André has had a very emotional couple of months. He has been through a divorce and now this medical problem. His dogs are his solace right now. So cut him some slack, please.”


Nurse Sietz didn’t respond. She gave a small snort through her nose, raised an eyebrow and walked out of the kitchen. Ryan shrugged his shoulders and followed after her. She took a position on the love seat, opened a fabric bag, took out some knitting and started to click-clack away. André looked up at Ryan, who responded with a covert thumbs-up. 


Chapter 18