He gestured bitterly toward his legs, his fingers curling slightly as if the movement alone cost him effort.
"I'm in this condition," he added quietly. "Crippled."
The doctor raised an eyebrow, his expression flickering with mild surprise before settling into professional neutrality.
"What about the men outside?" he asked calmly. "Can't they help? I didn't bring a nurse with me since I was told it was only a case of high temperature."
"Oh no, please," Gabe said immediately, shaking his head with urgency. "That won't be necessary. Don't worry....I'll pay you for this service. I'll fill the bath myself. You only need to guide Fred while he bathes. I'll also change the bedsheets before he's done."
The desperation in Gabe's eyes was raw and unmistakable....too honest to be ignored.
The doctor hesitated, studying him for a moment, before letting out a slow sigh.
