After lunch with Carla, Emily accompanied Alex to the hospital for his physiotherapy. She watched as he began his exercises under the doctor's guidance. Within minutes, sweat beads formed on his forehead, and his face grew pale. Despite Alex's attempt to mask the pain, it was evident in the way his muscles tensed and the sweat soaked through his shirt.
The doctor, noticing the signs of strain, asked, "Mr. Stratton, did you take your painkillers today?"
Alex shook his head, not pausing from the exercises.
"Would you like to take one now?" the doctor offered.
"No, I don't need it." Alex replied curtly, his eyes steely with determination. He was pushing himself hard, wanting to rid himself of the cane as soon as possible.
