Dr. Michael's face had become solemn. "Miss Emma, he has been hit on the leg with a tree with great force; it hurt the veins that assist in walking."
Emma's voice caught in her throat. "Won't he ever be able to walk?" she repeated almost in a whisper.
Dr. Michael nodded solemnly. "He won't be able to walk for a while."
Emma's eyes scoured the doctor's, seeking a timeline desperately. "Like how long, doctor?" she persisted.
Dr. Michael took a moment to think first. "At least two weeks, possibly more."
Emma's face crumpled, and her eyes welled up with tears. The thought of Robert confined to a bed, unable to walk, was unbearable.
"Can I see him?" Emma asked, her voice shaking.
Dr. Michael nodded sympathetically. "Yes, of course. Follow me."
He led Emma to Robert's ward; the smell of
