The woman said, "Uncle, you don't have to keep coming when your legs aren't well. You'll only get anxious if you're here. Dad has me taking care of him. Besides, there are four nurses on rotation duties during the day. You don't have to worry."
The elderly man sighed. "I know I am a cripple and will cause you unnecessary trouble with my presence, but I can still help out a bit if he wakes up by keeping him company when you're away."
She helplessly said, "Why are you calling yourself a cripple, uncle? You're being too harsh on yourself."
"Well, that's just the way it is."
Tugging at the corners of his lips, he appeared to be somewhat resigned as he fell silent for a while before laughing. "You don't have to be worried about me. I've gotten used to it by now after so many years. I'm capable of taking good care of myself."
Not knowing what to do with him, she no longer said anything more.
…
