Chapter 12 - Pushing Through The Burn
The threat was neutralized.
But the victory made me realize something else.
I wanted to be more for Emma.
I didn't just want to protect her with guns and money.
I wanted to stand beside her.
The next morning, I called the physical therapist I had thrown a paperweight at.
He walked into the gym, looking terrified.
"You want me back, Mr. Romano?"
"I want to work," I said. "And I promise I won't throw anything."
Emma sat in the corner of the gym, watching.
The therapy was agonizing.
They strapped me into braces. They forced me to try and bear weight.
The phantom pain roared into real, screaming agony in my lower back.
"Push through the burn!" the therapist yelled.
I gritted my teeth. Sweat poured down my face.
My legs shook uncontrollably.
I was about to collapse. I was about to give up.
Then Emma walked over.
She stood right in front of me, holding out her hands.
"Look at me, Danny," she said firmly.
I locked eyes with her.
"Take a step."
It was impossible. The doctors had said it was a one-in-a million chance.
But looking into her eyes, the exhaustion and fear replaced by absolute faith in me...
I gritted my teeth, gripped the parallel bars, and dragged my right foot forward.
May you like
One inch.
It was the greatest victory of my life.
