Settling into his chair, the doctor mulled over his words before speaking with a reassuring smile.
âHer physical injury is manageable.
However, mending her psychological scars is a tougher mountain to climb.
Iâve been told her silence stems from emotional trauma.
What delayed her treatment?â
Markâs face was a canvas of stoicism.
His thoughts drifted to darker days.
Days colored by Paulâs demise, Cathyâs unyielding nature, and Ceciliaâs suffering.
In a hushed tone, Mark confessed, âLife hasnât been kind to this little one.
Sheâs weathered many storms.
I blame myself for not living up to my duties.
â
Well-versed in Markâs dynamics with the Fowler family, the doctor understood the depth of his involvement.
He was privy to the tale of Mark forsaking his own wedding for the sake of this child.
The doctor scribbled down a treatment pathway, but then paused, pondering before softly adding, âNowâs the prime time for her therapy.
Delay it, and relearning speech later will be her Sisyphean task, long and fraught with struggle.
â
âIâll discuss it with her,â Mark agreed, determination in his voice.
Handing over a business card, the doctor offered a lifeline.
âHereâs the contact of my mentorâs close colleague.
Heâs a big shot in this field, often overseas.
Should you seek guidance, ring him up and mention my referral.
â
Mark accepted the card, expressing his gratitude before exiting the doctorâs office.
He didnât head straight back to the ward.
The corridor was a silent companion.
Drawn to a window at the corridorâs end, Mark embraced the gusts of summer heat that swept in.
The warmth unsettled him, yet he needed this moment of discomfort to clear his head.
Later in the day, Laura was scheduled for minor surgery.
He phoned Cecilia, advising her not to hold dinner.
His voice softened with regret.
âWe had plans for the weekend.
I am so sorry.
â
Cecilia, now more at ease than before, was in the midst of meal prep with Zoey while keeping an eye on Olivia.
âIâll keep the kids and Zoey company.
Donât worry about coming home,â she reassured him gently.
A smile touched Markâs Lips before concern crept in.
âHowâs Edwin? He seemed upset when I left.
Keep an eye on him, Cecilia.
Iâll also have a chat with him later.
â