Chapter 13 - The Return to the Track
Three months later.
Spring had arrived in Seattle. The rain had cleared, giving way to bright blue skies, warm sunshine, and blooming cherry blossoms along the city parkways.
Excel Fitness had reopened under new management, completely rebranded as APEX COMMUNITY WELLNESS.
The cold fluorescent lights had been replaced with warm, soft LED panels, and the curved wooden reception desk was now staffed by a smiling elderly woman named Clara who greeted every member by name.
At 10:00 AM, the glass front doors opened.
Arthur Pendelton walked in.
He was wearing his grey cotton tracksuit and his white towel draped over his shoulder. He looked healthy, his cheeks flush with color, his posture upright and strong.
Beside him walked Maya Lin, dressed in a black athletic shirt and running shoes.
Clara looked up from the desk, smiling brightly. "Good morning, Arthur! Good morning, Maya!"
"Morning, Clara," Arthur nodded politely, scanning his new blue membership card against the reader.
The screen flashed green with a soft, pleasant BEEP: WELCOME, ARTHUR PENDELTON – MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING.
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"Treadmill 4 is open for you, Arthur," Clara said, handing him a fresh bottle of cold water.
"Thank you, my dear," Arthur smiled.
