Chapter 1

Emerson Thorne was shaggy. He was getting used to it slowly. This treatment facility was a hundred times nicer than the state program he’d been at after the accident. He supposed that was because he and Mei had carefully chosen this one from brochures they’d downloaded from the internet. It wasn’t the first time since his transformation that he realized how powerful money actually was. With money he could afford the best doctors, the best treatments, personalized attention and good meals, not to mention a private room with a beautiful view of the landscaped lawns. This place was more like a resort than a mental hospital. And he knew firsthand that more than one aging celebrity had come here to relax when the pressures got to be too much.

He looked with a pang down at the greenery below. He wasn’t sad to be leaving, but after six months, he finally had come to accept all that he was giving up and all that he had to look forward to. With the clinic’s help, he had completed driver training and obtained a license. He had called Mei a number of times, mainly to be certain that she hadn’t deserted him, but also to make sure that the lawyer was still sending her her salary and that she didn’t need anything. She arranged for a car to be delivered to his mother’s house, and she was going to drive up the coast to pick him up today. Drawing in a deep breath, he decided to go in and shave the facial hair he’d grown mildly accustomed to. He no longer hated that he was a man. He understood now that his self-hatred was something planted by his mother that had grown up twisted and rotten, like a diseased tree.

He stood before the bathroom mirror, lathered his face with shaving cream, and began pulling the razor across his skin in smooth, even strokes. Slowly his features were revealed, and when he wiped his face clean at the end, he smiled at himself, finally used to seeing the man that he had become.

During his many sessions with the good doctors here, Emerson had discussed ShayAnne at great length. He agreed that he wanted to at least apologize, and to explain things if she would allow it. The doctor encouraged this confrontation as a way to grow emotionally. He also suggested that a neutral setting like a restaurant would help ShayAnne feel less vulnerable. Emerson immediately thought of the diner where they had met. How could he ask her there, though, when she did not know him? She had never been introduced to Emerson Thorne, and he was afraid she would recognize him as his old self before he could get a chance to launch his invitation. With a sigh he set aside the towel and went to secure the last of his belongings in his suitcase.

Perhaps Mei would have an idea when she arrived. He chewed his lip as a knock sounded lightly on his door.

“Come in,” he said, still not quite used to hearing the masculine grate to his voice. He was beginning to like its huskiness, though, and embracing it for what it was: the true parts of himself that were finally allowed to flourish.

The cheerful doctor appeared. “All set? I’ve got the nurse here with your release paperwork. We’ve enjoyed your stay here, Emerson. You’re welcome back at any time, although I’m certain you won’t need it.”

Emerson smiled as he took the pen from the nurse and signed the aforementioned documents. He returned everything to her and she smiled briefly before departing.

“Well, Mr. Thorne,” the doctor beamed proudly, extending his hand. Emerson reached out and shook it. “Best of luck to you, sir.”

“And to you,” he offered kindly. “I genuinely appreciate all that you’ve done for me.”

“We’re all very pleased with your progress. I mean it when I say I think you’ll be fine,” the doctor told him. “But please, in the event that you ever need our help, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

“I won’t,” Emerson assured him.

“I’ll walk you out.”

“Thank you.” Em picked up his suitcase and followed the doctor from the room. The door swung shut after them, and Emerson didn’t look back. This was a new chapter in his life. He intended to start it right.

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