The gait remained uneven.
Sombra’s rear legs still swung slightly.
But he was walking completely without assistance.
Dr. Patel crouched at the opposite end.
“Come here.”
Sombra looked at me.
“Go.”
He walked toward the doctor.
Slowly.
Carefully.
But without falling.
Dr. Patel smiled.
“This is better than I expected at our first consultation.”
I swallowed.
“Does he still need surgery?”
“At this point, I would not recommend putting him through major corrective surgery unless his function deteriorates or pain becomes a persistent problem.”
“So this is his normal?”
“His normal may continue improving.”
“Will he ever run?”
“Possibly.”
“Jump?”
“Maybe. I wouldn’t encourage high-impact jumping.”
“Long walks?”
“Build gradually.”
I laughed.
“You really refuse to promise anything.”
“That’s my job.”
Sombra walked back toward me.
I crouched.
He pressed his forehead against my chest.
The same position as the roadside.
Only now his legs were holding him up.
