"Rose close your eyes now," he whispered. "Take a deep breath. Try to move your legs. Tell yourself you can walk."
He followed her physical therapy routine carefully, repeating the instructions she'd been given.
Rose tried. She really did. She took her time. She focused. But still—she felt nothing in her legs.
Frustration grew inside her. The therapist's voice rang out again, calm but firm.
"Let's keep going, Rose. Don't give up now."
She'd been prejudiced against the woman at first—found her tone too clinical, too cold. But now she was just tired. She followed each instruction without argument, trying everything.
When it was over, Rose slammed her eyes shut in frustration.
"I still can't feel anything," she whispered. Her voice cracked with weariness.
Her eyes darkened, a storm of pain and helplessness swirling in them.
The therapist gave a small, gentle smile. "Let's try something else. Can you pinsh yourself?"
Rose stared at her.
