Restart: Chapters 9–14

As I squat down and pass the bill through the gap between the door and the carpet, it occurs to me that if anybody sees me, it’ll look like I’m the one doing something sleazy, not the one making it right.

The door is open a crack, and I catch a glimpse of Mr. Solway struggling across the room on his walker. Suddenly, a baleful eye is glaring at me through the opening.

Chase is still defiant, but a little more subdued than before. “So I should just let him beat up a kid half his size for no reason?”

It doesn’t help that Chase has forged the closest friendship of all with the one resident he should be staying away from — that crotchety old warhorse in room 121.

One thing no one ever tells you when you’re laid up — like I was in the hospital — is how boring it is. You really appreciate anybody who comes to break the monotony.

School triggers a few memories too, but they’re mostly random images and feelings of déjà vu.

Joel is a cross between a prosecuting attorney and a bloodhound if he gets the idea that you’re holding out on him.

The change in Mr. Solway is incredible. His crabby glower morphs into a grin that lights up the room.

The old soldier thinks it over and comes to a conclusion with a curt nod. “That makes it different. I’d be happy to help the two of you out.”

When I gawk at him, he adds, “We don’t want to worry her. She’s got enough on her mind. I’ll take you to Dr. Nguyen, and when we get the all clear, then we’ll find a way to bring it up to your mother.”

Aaron and Bear are all power and no finesse.

Engrossed in the story, I nearly miss the twin gasps from the hall. I glance over my shoulder to spy Aaron and Bear standing in the doorway, staring in bewilderment.

Mr. Solway throws his head back and guffaws loudly. “I’m the exception to that rule...."

He casts her a wry grin. “I get you. What if the crazy old codger packed up the empty case for a medal he lost twenty years ago? No, don’t apologize. It’s a valid question...."

I see a twenty-dollar bill in Mrs. Swanson’s shaky hand. I see greedy fingers snatching it away.
Bear. And Aaron gloating over all the pizza it would buy.