Prologue:
"Ouch! Godammit, Doc....that really hurts!"
Dr Blood lowered Syd's calf and allowed his knee to bend down until it hung vertical off the end of the examination table. Dr Blood was doing a quick test to see if Syd's physical therapy sessions were helping with his flexibility. He had prescribed the exercise in lieu of orthoscopic surgery or steroid injections because he believed in the body's innate ability to heal itself, given the right motivation.
"It seems there is very little progress these past few months. Have you been attending all your therapy sessions regularly?"
"You know, Doc, the routines are getting really boring. I missed a few....well, maybe more than a few. Even the ones I attend are just perfunctory."
"Well, you're going to get worse if you don't take the therapy seriously." Dr Blood paused to see any reaction from Syd. Finding none, he said "There might be a way to get you motivated. I have heard of a new clinic for sports and exercise injuries where the therapists use special motivational techniques not generally accepted within the industry. The clinic is effective, though quite expensive. You may get partial reimbursement through your insurance for the therapy sessions but absolutely not for the pricey required application fee and background check. If the background check discovers any unsavory indiscretions, you will not be accepted as a client. The substantial co-payment is due up front, in total, in cash, non-refundable. What do you think?"
"The money's not a problem. What about timing?"
"It's a one week intensive course of treatment. You will be housed at the facility for the duration. Pre-approval is a function of your past history and payment ability. Shall I get you in touch with them?"
Syd shrugged. "Yeah, okay."
Syd shuffled and limped through the entrance of a modern looking building pulling his wheeled overnight case. Dr Blood had been good to his word. The intensive therapy was scheduled for a week and Syd would be staying in an onsite guest suite. The application was extensive and expensive. The thorough background check had been approved.
The seated receptionist greeted Syd and asked for photo ID. She perused her records as Syd perused her. She was buxom, wearing a tight white tee-shirt with TWC emblazoned in red block letters across her chest punctuated by two protruding dots under the shirt.
She said "I'll need a copy of this." She stood and turned, bending over the low copier. She presented Syd with a view of her ass cheeks trying to bust out of a pair of silky green running shorts. The cameltoe couldn't be more evident. He couldn't avoid mouthing a silent 'Sorry' when she turned and caught him looking.
She giggled and handed Syd his ID and a keycard. "There you go. You are staying in Room 201. The elevators are over there. Your first session is in an hour and someone will be by your room to pick you up in 45 minutes. Wear the exercise clothes laid out on your bed. Call me at '0' if you need anything. Any questions for now? No? Okay, good luck and hope you feel better soon."
Monday: Mandy, Tandem Cycling
Syd was in his room wearing the exercise outfit. The black bicycle-style shorts had a built in jock supporter beneath the zippered fly. A loose tank top and plain running shoes completed the outfit. The doorbell announced the arrival of his escort. He opened the door to a pretty young woman dressed similar to the receptionist. She was an indistinct mΓ©lange of heritage, olive skin, brown eyes and hair, mid height with toned legs and arms. Her wavy long hair was banded at the scalp into a full ponytail. Her chest displayed large rounded mounds beneath the tee-shirt. Syd stepped back to allow her entry. She extended her hand.
"Hello, Syd, my name is Mandy. Monday is my weekly workday. I have read your file. We will start your therapy with some stationary cycling to loosen up those leg joints. But first, let me take you on a quick tour of our facility."
Turning, she left the room, waited in the hallway until Syd locked his room. She took his hand and escorted him to the elevators. Mandy showed him how his key card gave him access to the rear elevator doors on the main floor. They walked out the rear elevator doors into a spacious room filled with exercise equipment, free weights, padded yoga floor and mirrored walls. No other patrons were present. Mandy led Syd in a circuit around the room pointing out the various furnishings. Through a door in the rear wall, they entered a swimming pool room with adjacent lockers, showers, whirlpool and large sauna.
After exploring the facility, it was time to get down to work. Mandy ushered Syd to the stationary bicycle in the main room. "Let's get a baseline on the real strength and flexibility in your legs." Syd climbed aboard the cycle while Mandy checked some gauges and settings. On cue, Syd began a slow turn of the pedals.