“Again," Ana said, hands warm and firm. “Small circles. Gentle pressure."
Freya followed the motion at her jaw. “Like this?"
“Exactly," Ana said. “You're healing."
“Feels less like fire," Freya murmured.
Monica leaned against the door with a grin. “You look less like pain," she said. “Which is a terrible compliment and I mean it as the highest."
Freya laughed. “I'll take it."
Ana stepped back. “That's enough for today. Keep the routine. Scar cream morning and night. And take a walk."
“We do laps around the block like it owes us rent," Monica said. “Doctor's orders."
Ana smiled. “Good. See you Wednesday."
Outside, air tasted clean. Freya pulled her hood up out of habit, then left it down. “Two minutes?" she asked.
“Four," Monica said. “We're wild."
They walked. A dog dragged its
