“Because it wouldn’t have been fair to either of us.” Kim said, becoming frustrated. “Tommy, I loved you. Please don’t ever question that. But I met someone else I thought I could love. And he was in Florida. He was convenient, he was accessible and he was a fellow teammate, so he understood me.”

“He was convenient? Kim, I was your teammate too. I understood you. I understood you better than anyone.” Tommy said. He could feel his blood starting to boil.How things had changed. Even going to the bathroom had become more difficult. Kimberly felt worse. She wasn’t used to relying on others for simple things. It wasn’t right. Kimberly called for her mom when she finished; her mom held her up while she washed her hands at the sink. Kimberly felt like such a lowlife.        The Bronze Ranger stopped and glanced down at the Turbo Navigator, reassuring himself that they were headed the right direction. They still had the golden compass taken from Ornyk (in fact, Jareth was wearing it around his neck, probably because it matched his armor), but Myk preferred not to rely on anything that had been in evil hands. There was no telling what evil spells or curses Ornyk could have placed on it.

         "I just wish we had some idea what we were looking for," Deacon said.

         "Just inferring from that poem up at the entrance, I'd say there are a pair of magical swords down here. One good, one evil," Jareth replied.

         "So we're here to collect them both?"

When Kimberly was back in bed, Dr. Matthews had more news for her. “Kimberly, how would you like to try using a wheelchair today? You wouldn’t have to stay in this stuffy room all day and you could wander the hallway. There’s a lounge down the hallway for patients on this floor, and the children’s room is right next to it if you’d like to visit them. Before we can allow you to do any of that though, you have to learn how to use a wheelchair.”

As much as Kimberly hated to admit it, the room was stuffy and not something she’d like to stare at all day. “Maybe this afternoon. Can I make a phone call?”

“Why yes. You’ll have to use a calling card if you’re going to call long distance though,” answered Dr. Matthews.

Kimberly could see the rising anger in Tommy’s eyes. But she refused to back down. They had gotten this far on civility, might as well go for broke.“When I was a ranger, yes. But when I gave up the power, I gave up that life. I was a gymnast now. And I needed someone who understood what I was experiencing in that moment. Tommy, I couldn’t have asked you to give up your life and wait for me. I didn’t know what my future would be. I couldn’t say if I would stay in Florida and train for the Olympics or if I would return to California or if I would do something else entirely.” Kim continued.

Tommy shook his head. Kimberly knew him better than that. “I would have waited for you.” He said through his teeth. He couldn’t believe all the things she had decided for the both of them. It wasn’t fair.