Chapter 17 - Fourteen Steps Up
After everyone left, I stood at the bottom of the staircase.
The same place where I'd landed.
Mr. Danner approached.
“You okay?”
“Yes.”
I looked upward.
Fourteen steps.
I hadn't climbed them since the fall.
The elevator was easier.
Safer.
But tonight I didn't want easier.
I placed my hand on the railing.
Step one.
My leg tightened.
Step two.
Memory flashed.
Cordelia's hands.
Step three.
Flynn stepping over me.
Step four.
The hospital.
Five.
The cast.
Six.
The key.
Seven.
Grandfather's letter.
Eight.
Box 47.
Nine.
My mother's photograph.
Ten.
Physical therapy.
Eleven.
The divorce.
Twelve.
The restoration center.
Thirteen.
I stopped.
One remained.
Mr. Danner waited below.
I breathed.
Then climbed.
Fourteen.
At the top, I turned.
Nothing happened.
No dramatic music.
No miracle.
Just me.
May you like
Standing.
That was enough.
