The closer he got to the park, the heavier he leaned on the cane.
It was only a mile from his house, and he was up to almost three on the treadmill, but he'd already endured four hours of therapy today, and taking this walk was pushing it.
He spied a bench with a sole occupant, reading a newspaper at one end, and headed in that direction. When he sat down, he felt an immediate relief followed by a wash of apprehension. He kept his eyes ahead of him.
The newspaper rattled. "A cane. That's good, Charlie. That's great."
"Yes. I'm pleased. I can go back to CalSci next week on my own three feet."
There was a slight chuckle behind the paper. "When will you lose the cane?"
Charlie shrugged. "Don't know if I will. My right leg still needs a lot of help. Especially when I'm tired — which is usually, once the school year starts."
There was no response to this.
Charlie cleared his throat. "That's okay, though, a cane is a vast improvement over the chair, the walker. And I'll continue to improve, at least for another month or two. Maybe longer. Research on spinal cord injuries is pretty cutting edge right now."
The paper was folded and placed between them. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"It wasn't just you, Colby. You didn't know I was already injured."
They sat in silence.
After a minute, Charlie spoke again. "You were placed in a terrible position. I feel badly about that."
"You know what freaks me out? That back in '02 and '03, I was using some of your work to make sure I lived through every day. You saved my life on a number of occasions, Whiz Kid. Least I could do was return the favor."
Charlie chanced a look at Colby. "What are you doing, now?"
"I'm … with another agency. Based out of Washington. I travel a lot. On a layover now. When I saw that I'd be in L.A. for several hours … I almost didn't contact you. I wasn't sure you'd show up."
Charlie looked away again. "I hope it works out for you. I hope they … it … I hope it all stops haunting you."
Colby took his sunglasses out of his shirt pocket and put them on. "Yeah." A taxi pulled to the curb of the street they faced, and Colby stood. He looked down at Charlie through the sunglasses. "I've gotta go. I'm glad you're okay, Charlie."
Charlie watched him stride to the cab, get in, drive away. He watched the space where the taxi had been for a long time.
He saw Don's SUV pull up to the curb.
His brother opened the door, climbed out, and jogged over to the bench.
"Hey. Dad told me you wanted to walk to the park. Everything okay?"
Charlie smiled. "Yes. It's all good. You drove here from home?"
"No, I was on the cell with Dad. I wasn't there yet. I thought I'd stop and see if you wanted to ride back. I know you've already done your time on the treadmill, today. Sometimes you can push yourself too hard, Charlie."
Charlie shifted on the bench. "Sit down. I want to ask you something."
Don perched on the bench. "Shoot. But that's a 15-minute loading zone I'm parked in."
"I'll make it quick. And yes, I could use a ride home. Listen, you know I'm going back to work, next week?"
"Right. And continuing therapy."
"Correct. I'm going to be pretty tired. I don't think I can add anything else yet."
"That's okay, Charlie. You can get back to consulting when you're ready. Has it felt like I'm pushing you?"
Charlie shook his head. "No, that's not what I'm talking about."
Don looked confused. "Then what?"
"I don't want to take time away from work so soon after going back … and the thought of an airport is too much for me right now. I was wondering. Could you go to the White House for me in three weeks? Collect my National Medal of Science? There's a big dinner, and you can take a guest — Dad would love it."
Don looked at him, stunned. "Charlie …"
"I'll be okay alone in the house for a couple of nights. I'm not driving yet, but I'm sure Larry will help me out."
Don was finding it difficult to think. "I could … I could help you, with the airports. Charlie, it's the White House!"
Charlie smiled. "I know that. I've been there."
Don was extremely glad he was already sitting. "What?"
"Long story. I'll tell you someday. Just answer the question. Do you think you can get Thursday & Friday off in three weeks? I'll need to let the White House know you'll be accepting in my stead, so they can process your credentials."
"I … I … geez, Charlie. Why me?"
"Why not you, Don? You're my brother. And I've realized something, over the last few months."
"What's that?"
"It's because you're my brother that I've been able to do what I do. You support me, encourage me – believe in me. You should be the one to pick up the award. If you'll do it."
Don rubbed a hand over his face. "White House. I'll have to wear a suit."
Charlie laughed. "Don't be silly. Tuxedo."
Don groaned, but smiled at Charlie. "I guess it will be worth it."
Charlie pushed himself up with the cane, and Don followed. "Good. Let's go home, and tell Dad. He can drive you crazy for the next three weeks with details."
They walked toward the SUV and Don rested his hand lightly on Charlie's shoulder. "No problem," he said. "That will be worth it, too."
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FINIS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
A/N: All of that happened because my back hurt one day, and I thought it might be interesting if Charlie's did also. Then things kind-of got away from me. Again. As I write this, I am days away from a cruise; I know I've already done a cruise story, but who knows, I may find additional ideas upon my journey. Thanks to all who read and review!