"Doctor, how is John's condition? When will he be able to wake up?"
At Lisa's concerned expression, the doctor sighed softly, lowering his hand and checking John's pulse.
Lisa watched the doctor anxiously as he checked John's condition.
After a moment of silence, the doctor finally spoke.
"His condition is stable," his tone calm but uncertain.
"Then why hasn't he woken up for two whole days?" Lisa asked, her voice trembling slightly. John hadn't opened his eyes even once since he came home that night.
The doctor looked at her for a moment, then shook his head slightly. "The wounds have begun to heal, but his body is still weak… and the shock he suffered has shaken him deeply."
Lisa's hands tightened around the edge of her apron. "So, he will wake up, right?"
The doctor nodded slowly. "He will — but it will take some time. His body needs rest… and his mind even more."
He paused for a moment before continuing with a heavy expression. "But I can't say anything certain about his left leg. He might never be able to use it again."
Lisa froze, her breath catching in her throat. The doctor's words echoed in her mind – never be able to use it again.
Her gaze fell to John's leg, wrapped tightly in bandages. For a long moment, she couldn't speak.
"His leg…" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Will he… will he…" The rest of the words caught in her throat.
Seeing the distress on Lisa's face, the doctor spoke gently, trying to calm her down. "There is still a chance," he said quietly, "but it's small. All we can do now is wait — and hope."
Lisa lowered her head, her hands clutching the apron tightly. A faint tremor ran through her shoulders, but she nodded. "I understand…"
The doctor gathered his things and stood up, adjusting the small pouch of medicine at his side. "Change the bandages every day, make sure the room stays warm, and apply the medicinal paste I've given to you in his wounds. And if there is any bleeding, send for me at once."
"I will," Lisa said softly.
As the doctor reached the door, he turned back and said softly, "John has helped me many times in the past. I owe him greatly, and I will do all I can to help him."
"Thank you."
Lisa bowed her head and thanked him. Her tone was filled with both gratitude and worry.
Before leaving, the doctor glanced around and asked softly, "By the way, where is little Evans? I haven't seen him today."
Lisa managed a smile. "He's gone to gather wood from the forest," she replied. "He said he wanted to help keep the house warm."
The doctor nodded approvingly. "A thoughtful boy, just like his father." He paused for a moment, then added with a gentle smile, "Tell him to see me tomorrow — I've something for him."
"I will," Lisa nodded.
The doctor gave a final nod before leaving, his footsteps fading down the quiet hallway.
After seeing the doctor off, Lisa returned to the room where John was resting and sat at the small table beside his bed. The sound of the wind outside carried faintly through the open window, along with the distant rustle of leaves.
Moments later, the door of the house creaked open.
"Mom, I'm back," a young voice called softly.
Lisa turned her head and saw Evans standing at the doorway, a small bundle of firewood in his arms, with a small wooden sword hanging at his side. His clothes were dusted with leaves, and sweat clung to his forehead, but his eyes held the same calm determination his father once had.
He set the wood down carefully near the hearth, then walked over to the bed, his gaze falling on John's still form.
"Did the doctor come?" he asked quietly.
"Yes."
"What did he say? Will Dad be alright?"
"The doctor said your father just need some rest," she said softly. "He's stable now, so he'll wake up soon."
Evans's gaze lingered on his father's bandaged leg. "And his leg?" he asked hesitantly.
Lisa's smile faltered for a moment. She turned her eyes towards John, her voice growing faint. "It'll take time… but he'll be fine." But as she spoke, tears began to roll down her cheeks, betraying the fear she had tried so hard to hide.
Seeing her cry, Evans wrapped his small hands around Lisa and held her tightly. "Don't cry, Mom," he whispered softly. "Dad will definitely get better."
Evans turned his gaze towards John, his young eyes burning with fierce determination. There was only one thought in his mind.
"I'll never forgive whoever did this to my father."