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A slight smile tugged at Jasmine’s mouth. “Who are you calling kid, old lady? Surely you’re not ready for the old folk’s home just yet.”

Rihlia frowned with mock severity. “I will be if you don’t stop scaring the crap out of me.”

“Aw, you’re just feeling feeble from lying around in bed all the time. Why don’t you get up and take a walk with me? It’ll do you good.”

Rihlia’s smile faded to seriousness, and she let go of Jasmine’s hand. “I can’t. I’m paralyzed from the waist down.”

“What!” Jasmine stared at Rihlia’s lower half in shock. It was covered with blankets.

“Now don’t panic, the doctors said it’s only temporary. Just until after I have the baby and my body can start working on repairing me. It’ll be a piece of cake.”

“Cake?” Jasmine said in disbelief.

Rihlia threw up her hands in a calming gesture. “Hey, I’m an alien, remember? We can do all kinds of freaky stuff.” She smiled in assurance. “Even heal a broken back.”