"Darling," she said, her hand on his chest, "please don't apologize." The doctor entered and looked up with a frown. "Ms. Abernathy, please return to your bed."
Francis looked hesitant she had to move, but relieved the doctor was here. "How come my legs are numb?"
The doctor hesitated before clearing her throat. "Mr. Craw, your accident has resulted in paralysis in your legs," she said flatly.
She sighed, crossing her arms. "Well, we're not sure," she said. "With physical therapy, we can maybe get some movement in a couple months or so."
Poppy tried to sit up again, trying to move back over to him, but the woman put a hand on her shoulder, keeping her down. "Francis..."
Poppy tried to stand up, but the doctor kept her down with a hand. "Francis, it'll be okay," she said desperately. "It'll be okay, alright? We'll figure this out."
"Please let me see him," she said plaintively to the doctor. "Please." The doctor sighed before letting go, hovering worriedly, and Poppy came over to his bed, holding his face in her hands. "Francis, you need to focus, okay?" she said sternly. "You can learn to use your legs again. Nothing is certain right now."
"What if I don't? What if I can't walk again? I won't be able to do so many things, Poppy. I'm going to be such a burden on you."
"No, no, no," she said, shaking her head. "You'd never be a burden on me, okay? We can figure this out." She turned to look at the doctor. "What's the chance that physical therapy will help?" "It definitely can," she said. "But it's possible nothing will come from it."
She ran her fingers through his hair, pursing her lips. "Thank you," she said quietly. "We'll discuss this." The doctor frowned before she left, leaving them, alone.
