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Kennedy stopped her. “You need positive energy today to focus on your therapy. Reading the stories will not be conducive to healing.”

“Good point.” She handed her the phone. “Hang onto this for me.”

Kennedy slid it in the side of her bag and unrolled the mats. “Let’s work on getting you back on your feet.”

For the next hour, Harlow and her physical therapist went through the paces. By the time they finished, she felt every muscle in her body, but in a good way. The massage and gentle exercises meant healing.

Harlow’s aunt sashayed down the walkway, carrying a Thermos and a small stack of plastic cups. “I figured you might be ready for a break so I whipped up a batch of smoothies.” She rattled off the ingredients. “I read online avocado smoothies were excellent for promoting healing.”

Harlow grinned as her aunt drew closer, sporting a leopard print bandana, banana yellow leggings and a cropped top with Bob Seger’s face plastered across the front. “This is the secondBob Seger shirt I’ve seen you wearing. I didn’t know you were a fan.”

“I adore him. He’s a rock and roll legend, born and bred right here in Michigan. I know the words to every hit he ever released.” To prove her point, Birdie belted out the lyrics from one of his songs. “It’s a shame he doesn’t tour anymore.”

“I’m a big fan myself,” Kennedy said.

“A fellow Michigander with excellent taste.” Birdie placed the Thermos on top of the retaining wall and held out her hand. “You must be Kennedy. I’m Aunt Birdie.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Kennedy shook her hand. “You have an interesting name.”

“Bonnie is my given name. My brother, Harlow’s father, nicknamed me Birdie years ago and it stuck.”

“Because she flits from place to place, never staying in one place for too long,” Harlow explained.

“Thank you for coming here to help Harlow,” her aunt said. “You’re a beautiful young woman with an old soul. I like you already.”

“Aunt Birdie is hanging around until I’m better. She left her cruise around the world to be with me.”

“You were on a world cruise?”

“I made it most of the way through before I found out about Harlow’s accident.” Birdie unscrewed the lid and began filling the plastic cups. “How is she doing?”

“Excellent. Having the right attitude is half the battle.”

“Harlow can do anything she sets her mind to.” Birdie handed each of them a smoothie. “My niece is a real go-getter. I’m not surprised.”

“The right mindset when people aren’t spreading vicious rumors,” Harlow sighed.

“Who is spreading rumors?”

“I don’t know. Kennedy mentioned seeing some news stories.”

“If you’re going to check it out, do it before our next session.” Kennedy handed Harlow her phone. She packed up her gear and chatted with the women while finishing her drink. “The smoothie was delicious.”

“And good for whatever ails you.” Birdie rattled off the ingredients. “All I did was throw in some frozen spinach, a ripe avocado, a banana, and coconut milk in the blender and voila!”

“I’ll have to try making my own.” Kennedy thanked her for the drink and headed out.

Aunt Birdie waited until she was gone. “How are you feeling?”

“A little sore, but otherwise great.” Harlow flexed her arm muscles. “I’m hoping after a couple more sessions I can ditch the scooter.”

“Doing too much too fast might backfire,” her aunt warned.

“True. What kind of salad do you want for dinner?” Harlow caught up with her aunt on the sidewalk. “Tossed, Greek or Mediterranean?”

“Surprise me.” Birdie slowed when they reached the cottage. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah. Why?”