Page 72 of Deacon

‘Phase one starts at once, given you’re non-weight-bearing,’ Dr. Ritu explained. ‘The goal will be keeping the blood flowing and preventing muscle loss without putting any stress on that healing bone.’

Ana frowned slightly. ‘What can I actually do while stuck in this cast?’

‘Simple, low-impact moves,’ Dr. Ritu said. ‘Ankle pumps, wiggling your toes, and doing isometric quad squeezes. You’ll also work on gentle range-of-motion drills for your hip and knee, plus learning how to use crutches.’

‘After you get released to travel, and when at home you can shift to phase two: partial weight-bearing. That’s when we introduce resistance bands, seated leg extensions, calf stretches with a towel, and hydrotherapy in a pool if possible.’

‘And the final push?’ Ana asked.

‘Phase three is full weight-bearing and total functional recovery,’ Dr. Ritu said, smiling. ‘Once you get clearance for full weight, you can focus on sit-to-stand drills, box step-ups, leg presses, wall squats, lunges, and single-leg stability work. But for now, focus entirely on phase one.’

She made a few more remarks and outlined the therapy regimen, then headed out.

I turned to Ana and smirked.

‘Hear that, woman? Your torture sessions are kicking off tomorrow.’

Ana shot me a glower.

‘You’re cute when you’re sweating bullets before your physical therapy even start,’ I muttered, grinning.

‘And you’re grinning like a total sadist in anticipation.’

‘Hey, I’m just here for moral support,’ I grinned, shifting closer to brush a rogue strand of hair out of her eyes. ‘I’ll be by your side through every rep, stretch, and groan.’

‘Don’t you even dare,’ she grunted, adjusting the pillow behind her back with a defensive glare.

‘I’m for real, Ana,’ I murmured. ‘We need you back to a hundred percent, so you better get used to me being your torture cheerleader.’

‘You always did love playing drill sergeant when we worked out together in the past,’ she muttered, though the corner of her mouth twitched. ‘What makes you think I’m going to follow your brutal training schedule?’

‘Because you’re stubborn as hell, and you hate losing even more than you loathe doing your reps,’ I said, holding her gaze. ‘Plus, you like me ordering you around in bed.’

Her brows arched so high, I chuckled.

‘In your hospital bed, woman. I’ve no intentions to jump you when you’re injured.’

She scowled. ‘You make it sound like you’ve plans for after.’

I smirked.

‘How dare you think I’m propositioning you? Damn, ex-wifey, you’re married to someone else.’

At my rash words, her face sobered up, and I cursed on the inside.

Massimo was still MIA.

I should have been more considerate.

Ana fell silent, sadness crowding her eyes.

She closed her eyes and turned away.

Sensing she wanted some space, I left to say farewell to the IR crew.

I thanked Luka, Tariq, and Sina in the corridor outside Ana’s room while keeping an eye on her through the open door.

‘You guys are top-tier,’ I said, clapping Luka on his shoulder. ‘Please send Mason the bill; he’ll pass it on to me. We’ll pay a bonus too; your service was exemplary, brother.’