The Healer: First Touch Read Online Free

home. Strangely, I didn't feel the need to fill the silence either. Mostly, I tried to keep my head down, watching the boardwalk below me so as not to inure my good ankle. But every couple of steps, I stole a glimpse at the stranger helping me.
    I was still confused about how quickly events had changed. Had I really just imagined this man was following me, watching me from behind the trees? I thought back to the fear and panic I felt at the idea of being chased. It brought back the same scary feelings from the dream I had experienced last night and so many other nights before. I felt my heartbeat quicken as the fear surfaced again.
    Almost as if he could sense the change in my physiology, he spoke again. "Are there always this many people out here on Saturday mornings?" His voice was so calming that the fear immediately dissipated.
    "Yeah," I mumbled. "Where were they twenty minutes ago?" I thought I said the last part low enough for him not to hear. In fact, I didn't mean to say it aloud at all. He never answered. Maybe he didn't hear it. I stole another glimpse at his flawless face. Was that a small smile escaping from the corners of his lips?
    I tried to concentrate on the people around me. In front of us an older couple strolled hand in hand. Young kids tried to roller-blade past us, desperate to keep their balance as they stumbled over the wooden planks of the boardwalk. A young woman was briskly pushing her baby with a jogging stroller. With quick movements, we gracefully maneuvered around the others on the boardwalk.
    "My house is just around that small sand dune and on the other side of street," I volunteered. We were getting close to home. I had so many questions to ask this stranger, but I didn't know where to begin.
Why was he looking out for me? Had he been watching me or was he just in the right place at the right time to help me?
    I knew I should be wary of this man, maybe even frightened. Oma taught me better than this. I had no idea who he was. Furthermore, hadn't he been following me, hiding behind trees? But, there was no fear, no caution. I realized I wanted him to help me. I wanted to find out more about him. In fact, I found myself not just holding on to his hands for support. I needed to hold his hands like I needed my next breath. But who was he? And why did I feel this strongly about him?
    Jacey, get a grip on yourself.
I shook my head to clear my thoughts.
    "All right?" he asked looking at me, his eyebrows knotted with obvious concern.
    "Sure," I replied, "Just a tad dizzy."
    "I could carry you the rest of the way," he offered.
    "Oh, god, No!" I cried. A nervous laugh escaped my throat. "I can walk. We're almost there anyway." I felt sad at the thought of being home. I didn't want to say good bye to him.
Why are you thinking like this? Snap out of it!
    We followed the boardwalk around the last sand dune which shimmered in the bright sun. It had really begun to warm up and I was too hot in my sweatshirt now. The house was just across the street. We waited for a yellow car to pass, before crossing. With his help, I hopped up the little brick path leading to the steps to the front steps and sat down.
    "Let's take another look at that ankle," he said sitting down next to me. He reached for my leg. Pulling my sock down slightly, he examined my ankle again. This time, he was very careful not to touch my skin. "Hmmmm...It's looking better. Put your hands right here."
    He took my hands in his own. They were warm and strong. My own hands tingled from the contact. I looked at him, puzzled by his actions. Staring into my eyes, he whispered, "Trust me." He didn't have to say it. Strangely, I knew I already did. He placed my hands on either side of my ankle. Placing his hands on top of mine, he squeezed gently, forcing me to put pressure on my ankle. "Close your eyes."
    I felt a warmth begin to surround my ankle. At first, it was soothing but the sensation became warmer and more intense. It felt as if the heat was