Settling into his chair, the doctor mulled over his words before speaking with a reassuring smile.
“Her physical injury is manageable.
However, mending her psychological scars is a tougher mountain to climb. I’ve been told her silence stems from emotional trauma. What delayed her treatment?”
Mark’s face was a canvas of stoicism.
His thoughts drifted to darker days. Days colored by Paul’s demise, Cathy’s unyielding nature, and Cecilia’s suffering.
In a hushed tone, Mark confessed, “Life hasn’t been kind to this little one. She’s weathered many storms. I blame myself for not living up to my duties.”
Well-versed in Mark’s 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, “Now’s the prime time for her therapy.
Delay it, and relearning speech later will be her Sisyphean task, long and fraught with struggle.”
“I’ll discuss it with her,” Mark agreed, determination in his voice.
A N G E L A ‘s L I B R A R Y
Handing over a business card, the doctor offered a lifeline.
“Here’s the contact of my mentor’s close colleague. He’s a big shot in this field, often overseas. Should you seek guidance, ring him up and mention my referral.”
Mark accepted the card, expressing his gratitude before exiting the doctor’s office.
He didn’t head straight back to the ward.
The corridor was a silent companion.
Drawn to a window at the corridor’s 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.
“We had plans for the weekend. I am so sorry.”
Cecilia, now more at ease than before, was in the midst of meal prep with Zoey while keeping an eye on Olivia.
“I’ll keep the kids and Zoey company. Don’t worry about coming home,” she reassured him gently.
A smile touched Mark’s Lips before concern crept in.
“How’s Edwin? He seemed upset when I left. Keep an eye on him, Cecilia. I’ll also have a chat with him later.”