“Dear Ms. Martinez, I wanted to update you on Connor Hayes and Blake Morrison. They’ve both completed their fifty hours and have asked to continue volunteering. Connor has been helping with our adaptive sports program. Blake has been assisting with physical therapy sessions. Both have shown genuine remorse and growth. I thought you’d like to know. Thank you for sending them our way. Sincerely, Dr. Patricia Wong.”
I smiled.
My assistant knocked. “Ms. Martinez? The Bradley case is ready for review.”
“Thanks, Maria.” I stood up. No crutches. No pain.
Walked to my desk. Pulled up the case file.
Life moved on.
But three months later, I was back at Mercy General for a final checkup.
I parked in a regular spot. Didn’t need the handicapped space anymore.
As I walked toward the entrance, I saw someone familiar.
Connor Hayes. In a Riverside Rehab Center volunteer shirt. Helping an elderly man with a walker get out of a car.
He looked up. Saw me. Froze.
I walked over.
“Ms. Martinez.”
“Connor. What are you doing here?”
“I, uh, I still volunteer. At Riverside. I’m helping Mr. Patterson with his appointment.”