Free My Forever June by DeAnna Kinney

to me. I didn’t know what was wrong with me, or what it all meant, and I was scared…very scared, but having June with me gave me comfort and strength.
                  After a while, the doctor finally came in the room with some news. My parents had arrived and we all sat together, anxiously waiting any and all enlightenment.
                  The doctor then began to explain that something had shifted in my brain, caused by my head injury in the park that day. Part of my brain had been damaged and was causing me to slip into a somewhat comatose state. They didn’t have many answers just yet and didn’t know if this would continue or for how long. They needed to transfer me to another facility where they could do more testing.
                  This was crushing news for me. I thought my health issues were over, and just when I had a reason to live a full and healthy life, this happens.
                  June and I were insistent that she be allowed to accompany me to this facility. My parents objected, but when we both had a fit and were making a scene, they finally agreed. This was not open for discussion. June had to be with me. If I was going to get through this, I would need her by my side.
                  We arrived at the Cerebral Institute some time later, and June was wrapped tightly around my side as we entered. I could feel the tension coming from my parents. They didn’t approve of June. They thought I deserved better, but they were wrong—very wrong. June was a jewel—better than any woman I had ever known, and I was blessed to have her love me. This was something I would never take for granted.
                  The nurses were very kind and got me situated in my own room. It was a small room, but it had a huge, comfortable recliner for June, and so I was happy with it.
                  My parents were having a discussion with the head nurse so June and I took the opportunity to cuddle as we caught up. I told her all about the testing the night before and how badly I had missed her.
                  “Are you scared?” she asked blankly.
                  At first I thought about lying to her just so I wouldn’t upset her any further than she already appeared to be, but then I always was a terrible liar so I told her the truth. Nodding, I answered with all honesty, “Yeah. Yeah, I’m scared.”
                  She gently took my face in her hands and spoke softly, her big chocolate eyes full of sincerity. “Tucker, I will be here with you, and we will get through this—whatever this is. Do you hear me? I’m not leaving you to go through this alone. And I know I should have told you sooner—but I love you, Tucker Mitchell.”
                  My heart squeezed. I thought I knew how she felt, but hearing those beautiful words coming from her exquisite lips was more powerful than I ever thought it would be.
                  “Oh, June.” I pulled her into my arms and held her tight against my chest. “Having you say that means everything to me.” I leaned back and gazed down into her now moist eyes. “I love you too—more than is rational. I hope you know that.”
                  She nodded as her tears began to fall.
    “Please don’t,” I said, wiping them from her cheeks. “Everything is going to be fine. You’ll see. I’m a pretty tough dude.” And then I pulled up my shirt sleeve and showed her my muscle. “See.”
                  She laughed as she wiped at the rest of her tears. “Oh, Tucker, you’re so silly sometimes.”
                  I shrugged. “Yeah, I know.”
                  The nurse, along with my parents, approached us then. “Umm, Tucker,” My dad began, “it seems none of us can stay the night with you. This facility has strict rules about that.”
                  June