Candace laughs a little louder this time, and that small burst of joy comforts me like nothing else. I sit next to her, on the edge of the bed, and lean in to hug her carefully. It still hurts her to move much. Her cast leg sticks out from under the cover as a silent reminder of what happened.
“Mommy?” she says after a moment, in a small voice. “Do you think I'll be able to skate again? Like I used to?”
My smile doesn't falter outwardly, but inside, my heart breaks. I know what skating means to her. It was her world. Her escape. Her pride. Her freedom.
Just like it was for me.
“Of course you will, my love.” I gently stroke her forehead. “It might take time, and maybe the road won't be easy, but we'll make it. We'll work together, just like we have.”
“And if I can't...?” she whispers,
