Chapter Text
With Eishia's help, Gountess lowered himself into the pool. The water is warm like usual, and he let out a content sigh as it slowly relieved the ache in his joints and limbs. Eishia let him soak for a couple minutes before starting his physiotherapy session.
"We'll be doing the usual movements today," she said. Gountess nodded, gearing himself up to start at her instruction. He knew them by heart by now; straightening his legs one after the other, lifting his knees to his chest one by one, raising his heels and toes. He did these movements in rotation for 15 to 20 minutes. It came to him easily now, which really hammered in how much progress he had made — the first session he had, he could barely lift his foot off the floor.
"It's been two months since you first started, so we're going to try take a few steps today," Eishia told him after he was done. "O-of course, if you aren't ready yet, be sure to tell me! I do think you've made great progress so far, but it's just my opinion, and I may be wrong—"
"I trust your opinion," he assured. "You're the medical professional here, after all. And of course I'll tell you if it becomes too much."
Eishia nodded. "Alright! Well, this way..."
She helped him up and led him to the metal bars that stood in the middle of the pool. While his legs did feel much lighter underwater, they still had some trouble supporting his weight, and Eishia noticed his arms trembling on the bars. Again, he assured her that all is fine, and he raised a foot forward.
It wasn't painful, but it didn't mean it wasn't difficult. Lifting his legs while seated was one thing — at least with that he had support for his bottom — but lifting them, and his entire body along with it, was so much heavier. He unconsciously focused strength into his hands to try keep himself upright. This turned out to not be the right move, as three steps in he lost that strength and nearly fell into the water, Eishia catching him just in time.
"Are you alright?!"
"Thank you. I didn't think it would be this difficult." Eishia helped him back to the seat, worriedly making sure he wasn't injured anywhere when he had slipped. Gountess let out a long sigh. "It seems like it'll be a while before I can start walking again, hm?"
"Oh, well... You hadn't used your legs in over 20 years, so it's to be expected." Eishia said. "And it's my fault for not properly estimating your leg strength anyway... I completely overshot it... Ugh, why did I mess this up... Please don't give up on your therapy..."
"Oh, I'm not going to give up, don't worry," Gountess laughed. "If I give up now, I won't be able to take my life back, now, will I?"
"...! Yes!" she pumped her fists. "Well, let's wrap it up for today! We'll try again tomorrow."
"Yes, let's."