“So?” Daniel pressed.
Marcus shrugged slightly. “My grandma has arthritis. When her legs hurt, she soaks them in warm water. It helps her move better after.”
Daniel’s instincts screamed recklessness.
Water outside. Gravel underneath. A stranger experimenting.
“This is not a therapy session,” Daniel said coldly. “You can’t just—”
“Daddy!” Lily interrupted.
Her voice carried something different.
Excitement.
Daniel looked down.
She wasn’t gripping the crutches tightly anymore.
Her fingers were relaxed.
Her knees—usually locked stiff—were bending.
Just slightly.
The water rippled as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
Daniel’s breath caught.
“Lily… what are you doing?”
