Mirabe had noticed Nick clutching his left hand tightly just moments ago. After a few seconds of thought, she stood up, walked over to him, and gently took his arm, coaxing his fingers to unfurl one by one.


    It was then that Mirabe saw the slight deformity in Nick''s thumb joint. Given her profound understanding of human anatomy, she knew instantly that it was the result of a re-injury during the healing process of a previous fracture.


    After a brief pause, she looked up at Nick and said, "Whatever happened to this hand in the past is in the past. Why keep punishing it - and yourself?"


    Nick''s gaze dropped to his own palm, lingering there. He had intended to express his disgust for his hand, but suddenly, he couldn''t bring himself to say it. Instead, all he managed was a soft acknowledgment.


    Seeing his mood lighten, Mirabe patted his hand and said, "Keep your chin up, Nick," adding a yful wink.


    Nick couldn''t help butugh at his sister''s antics and ruffled her hair instinctively, "I will."


    Mirabe touched her nose, considering turning away, but seeing Nick''s spirits lifted for the day, she let it slide.


    Soon after, Mirabe left Nick to rest and made her way downstairs.


    Catherine was still deep in conversation with James when Mirabe approached and settled herself on the couch next to them.


    "So, hitting the hay early tonight, Mirabe?" Catherine turned to ask.


    Kicking off her slippers, Mirabe curled her feet up on the couch and leaned backfortably. "Yeah, might have caught a bit of a chill this morning. Feeling a tad under the weather."


    Catherine immediately showed concern. "Do you want some cold medicine?"


    Mirabe waved off the suggestion, "Nah, I''m young. This is nothing."


    "But Nick looks so frail, how can you say you''re strong?" Catherine replied, noting that despite theyers of winter clothing, Nick''s face was still thin.


    Mirabe sat up straight, thumping her chest, "I may be skinny, but I''m tough as nails."


    Catherine was speechless, and James couldn''t help but smirk at the exchange.


    Shaking her head, Catherine stood up, "I''m going to whip up some ginger-spiced coffee to chase away that chill. You young folks really don''t know how to take care of yourselves..."


    Mirabe wanted to protest but seeing Catherine''s determination, she let her be.


    Shaking her head, Mirabe turned back to the coffee table, grabbed an apple, and took a bite before asking James, "Did you book your flight back yet?"


    "Not yet. When are you nning to head back?" James raised an eyebrow.


    "The day after tomorrow," Mirabe nodded.


    They had been staying there for five days, which felt like enough.


    "Sounds good," James agreed.


    Just then, Catherine''s phone rang on the coffee table. Mirabe threw the apple core in the trash, slipped on her slippers, and calmly reached for the phone, intending to bring it to Catherine.


    However, as her gaze swept over the caller ID, her expression tightened slightly.


    The phone was a gift from Mirabe to Catherine, loud enough to be heard from the kitchen, so it wasn''t long before Catherine called out, "Dear, see who''s calling and answer it for me, will you? Grandma''s hands are full."


    Mirabe nced toward the kitchen, hummed in acknowledgment, and waited for thest ring before answering the call, holding the phone to her ear without speaking first, her demeanor cool.