“How’s the leg?” Thailyn asked when he returned. “I have full use of it again.” She smiled. “Good. Your hip is as good as I can get it. Maybe Lamdi can do better. She has a knack for healing old scars. But it can be extremely painful.” “We’ll see how bad it is first.” “This will be the last time I can come in here,” he told her. “Why?” “Because I’ll be working on your brain injury next. I can’t be in here for that. You’ll wake soon.” “You seem sad.” “You probably won’t remember me.” “I’m going to be living with you. If that happens, I’ll get to know you again.” Thailyn shook his head. “It won’t be the same.” “Why do you say that?” On impulse, he took her in his arms and kissed her. “Because you’ll forget that.” She smiled. “It’s about time you stopped denying your feelings.” “It’s inappropriate. You’re a patient.” “Did you make Ann’s mother see another healer?” He looked confused. “No.” “Then she was your patient too.” “But she was chosen before she became a patient.” “So? I get the feeling most people you meet are your patients. I am your patient. I’m going to be your roommate and I’m the mother of your son. I’m a lot of things. Your lover might just be another.” “You’re going to forget your feelings.” She kissed him again. “Do you think you could forget that?” Thailyn shook his head. He knew he wouldn’t. “And neither could I. Stop being a healer for a moment and be a man.” She pulled him to her, thinking about doing more. “Pisha, don’t.” He pulled away. His heart was pounding. “Please, don’t.” “What’s wrong?” “The last time I decided to put being a healer aside and indulge in my feelings, it ended badly.” “Do you mean what happened to Darina?” He nodded. “I understand.” “I love you, but it’s likely when you wake up, you won’t love me. Losing you is going to be hard as it is. I don’t want to make it worse.” “I love you now. If I forget, pursue me. Court me. Don’t give up so easily.” He nodded. He might do that. “What about Ruzi?” He asked. “I don’t think it would be appropriate for you to court your son.” She frowned, but there was a teasing look in her eye. “What if he doesn’t want me pursuing you?” Thailyn pushed. “We’ll climb that tree when we get to it.” He nodded. One thing at a time. “I’ll see you in a few days. Don’t be alarmed if this world changes or dissolves. The healing may affect it.” “I won’t need it anymore.” On impulse, he kissed her one last time, making it a kiss she’d have difficulty forgetting, and then he was gone.