This situation refused control.
For the first time in years, he compromised.
He proposed a trial. Emily would return—not as a caregiver, but as a rehabilitation aide-in-training. Dr. Collins would observe openly. No hidden cameras. No secrecy.
Emily agreed on one condition: the children would be told the truth. No pretending their progress was luck.
Therapy moved to daytime.
Emily worked alongside licensed therapists. She adjusted routines when they became rigid. She pushed when the children wanted to quit—and stopped when effort crossed into pain. The doctors resisted at first.
Then they began taking notes.
Three months later, Ethan lifted his leg six inches off the mat.
Grace stood between the parallel bars for twelve seconds.
