Chapter 819

Grace felt the tears welling up again. She always started with a quiet sob before the real crying began. Oliver caught the faint sound and immediately knew that she was about to cry. Looking up at her reddened eyes, he said firmly, "Hold it back. No crying." Grace pouted, realizing she wasn't even allowed to cry now. Feeling sorry for her, Oliver pressed gently on the top of her foot, watching as faint indentations appeared. "Does it hurt to walk?" he asked. Grace nodded. Standing up, Oliver looked at her and inquired, "Anywhere else that feels uncomfortable?" Grace seized the chance to vent. "My stomach hurts, my gums are bleeding, and I keep waking up from nightmares that scare me. At night, if I prop my leg on the blanket, I can't cover myself. But if I cover myself, I can't prop up my leg. The pillow is too low, and it's uncomfortable to keep my leg up." As her complaints tumbled out, Grace seemed to forget Oliver entirely. Despite how indulgent she sounded, she