The boy looked up, startled but not panicked. He was maybe ten years old, thin but steady-eyed. His hand was gently resting on the rim of the basin.
Lily wasn’t crying.
She was laughing.
A full, breathless, bubbling laugh Daniel hadn’t heard in weeks.
Still, fear overrode everything.
“Step away from her,” Daniel commanded sharply.
The boy slowly removed his hand and stood. “I’m not hurting her, sir.”
Daniel reached Lily in three strides. “Lily, are you okay? Did he push you? Did you slip?”
She shook her head, blonde hair bouncing. “Daddy! It tickles!”
Daniel blinked.
Her small feet were submerged in cool water. The basin rocked slightly as she shifted her weight.
Tickles?
The boy spoke carefully. “The water makes it easier.”
Daniel’s jaw tightened. “Easier for what?”
“To move.”
Daniel turned fully toward him now. “Who are you?”
“Marcus,” the boy replied. “I live two houses down. My grandma asked me to return your package yesterday.”
Daniel vaguely remembered a delivery delay and an elderly woman who had knocked.
“I saw her practicing walking earlier,” Marcus continued. “She looked frustrated.”
Daniel stiffened. Lily hated when anyone saw her struggle.
“So?” Daniel pressed.
Marcus shrugged slightly. “My grandma has arthritis. When her legs hurt, she soaks them in warm water. It helps her move better after.”
Daniel’s instincts screamed recklessness.
Water outside. Gravel underneath. A stranger experimenting.
“This is not a therapy session,” Daniel said coldly. “You can’t just—”
“Daddy!” Lily interrupted.
Her voice carried something different.
Excitement.
Daniel looked down.
She wasn’t gripping the crutches tightly anymore.
Her fingers were relaxed.
Her knees—usually locked stiff—were bending.
Just slightly.
The water rippled as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
Daniel’s breath caught.
“Lily… what are you doing?”
“Watch!” she giggled.
Very carefully, she lifted one foot—just an inch—from the basin floor.
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