The old injuries didn't just ache when it rained; any heavy exertion left her in agonizing pain.
Winona gestured for Elara to sit on the worn sofa, then crouched down to examine her legs.
There were two large, darkened patches of scar tissue around her knees and ankles.
Winona gently pressed around the edges of the scars, observing the tissue tension, and then asked Elara to slowly flex and extend her joints.
Noticing where the stiffness caught, Winona looked up at Forrest. "I can definitely help manage the pain and restore some mobility, but it's going to require a long-term treatment plan."
Relief washed over Forrest's face, his eyes shining with profound gratitude. "Thank you so much. Whatever the cost is, just name it."
Winona smiled warmly. "Don't worry about it. You'll be getting the friends-and-family discount."
Listening from the sidelines, Simone's brain immediately caught onto one phrase: Long-term treatment plan.
That meant she had the perfect excuse to tag along with Winona constantly. More sessions meant more time with Forrest.
"I can totally be your assistant!" Simone volunteered enthusiastically.
Winona, knowing exactly what was going through her friend's head, just offered a knowing smile and said nothing.
After moving Elara to the bed in her room, Winona sanitized her hands, unrolled her needle kit, and began the acupuncture session.
An hour later, she carefully removed the final needle.
Forrest looked at his mother and signed, How does it feel?
Elara beamed, signing back fluidly, The pain is gone.
The heavy tension that usually rested on Forrest's shoulders instantly vanished. He turned to Winona. "Thank you. Truly. Please, stay for dinner. I'll cook."
Simone didn't even hesitate. "We'd love to!"
Winona had no choice but to agree.
Forrest poured them some fresh tea before heading out to grab groceries.
By 5:00 PM, he was back in the kitchen, prepping the meal.

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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule)
This guy Julen is an idiot, he is so full of himself....