chapter twelve: treating aunt Miriam.

A graceful widow and a spirited young man found themselves alone in a closed-off room, the atmosphere thick with tension.

"Lucas, I know you're concerned about me, but there's no need to argue with Dr Chris. You haven't studied medicine, so how can you cure my illness?" Mrs Miriam said as she sighed.

Lucas said nothing but just kept on smiling.

"How about this? Just keep me company and chat for a while. Later, I'll pretend the pain has eased. That way, neither of you will feel embarrassed." She said after a while.

Lucas knew Aunt Miriam meant well, so he smiled and said,

"Aunt Miriam, just trust me. If I can't help, we'll do it your way, okay? Bedsides I can really heal you"

"Alright, go ahead," Mrs Miriam agreed after thinking for a while. She decided to really give Lucas a try.

She closed her eyes and laid back, letting Lucas have his way.

Lucas took a deep breath and gently placed his hand on aunt Miriam's forehead. Soon, a faint dark aura traveled from his left hand into his body.

Miriam, who had been groaning in pain, suddenly looked surprised.

"Lucas, why does it feel like the headache is gone?"

"That's how it should be" Lucas replied smiling.

"Lucas can you really heal?" Mrs Miriam opened her eyes, astonished.

"Yeah, I've been reading my grandpa's medical books" Lucas explained briefly. He didn't want to deceive Aunt Miriam, but some things were better left unsaid for her own safety.

"Wow, that's amazing," Miriam exclaimed, really thrilled. "Can you check my stomach too? It's been hurting terribly."

"Sure," Lucas agreed, whispering, "Aunt Miriam, could you lift your shirt a bit and lower your pants slightly?"

"Huh?" Miriam was taken aback, her eyes widening as she looked at Lucas.

Lucas gave an awkward smile, his face turning slightly red, though the dim yellow light in the room helped hide it.

"Aunt Miriam, pls don't misunderstand my intentions. Your pain is in the abdomen, so..." Lucas said earnestly.

"Alright, alright, I understand" Miriam said, noticing the clear intent in Lucas's eyes. She knew he meant no harm, so she pulled her shirt out from her pants.

Lucas couldn't help but be a little mesmerized. Even those young girls might not have a waist as nice as Aunt Miriam's.

"Ahem" Miriam cleared her throat, feeling a bit embarrassed as she caught Lucas staring. Which woman doesn't enjoy being admired for her beauty? But she coughed to remind him, as it wasn't appropriate for them to be alone in the room for too long.

Lucas snapped back to reality and quickly said,

"Uhmm, Aunt Miriam, I need to place my hand on your stomach like before to continue the treatment."

"It's fine, go ahead," Miriam replied, desperate for a relief from her pain. To avoid any awkwardness, she closed her eyes.

With her consent, Lucas focused his energy, and a faint swirl of energy appeared in his palm as he gently placed his hand on her stomach.

"Mmm..." Miriam shivered slightly at the warmth of Lucas's hand.

As the treatment progressed, Miriam felt her stomach growing warmer, and she couldn't help but let out a soft groan.

Sweat dripped from Lucas's forehead as he struggled to maintain focus. If he lost concentration, the dark energy he was extracting would seep back in.

"Don't... don't let go," Miriam murmured, gripping Lucas's hand when she felt him becoming unstable.

Lucas persevered, though it was his first time treating someone for so long. He felt drained, almost on the verge of collapse, but he held on until the last wisp of dark energy vanished, and then he fell to the floor.

Outside, Dr Christopher paced back and forth, growing more anxious by the minute. That rascal better not be taking advantage of Mrs Miriam.

"Why is it taking so long? That kid better not be up to something. I need to check" Dr Christopher muttered, moving towards the door, not realizing his steps were unsteady, as if walking on a sponge, and his face was turning a bit dark.

"No way," Anna said as she blocked his path, her face stern.

"You can mess around with others but not with my mom. Besides I trust Lucas."

Christopher chuckled awkwardly,

"Anna, I didn't mean anything mean, but it..."

"Please call me Miss Maxwell" Anna said to Dr Christopher, her patience completely worn thin, her voice icy.

A flash of anger crossed Dr Christopher's eyes as he thought, "Who does she think she is? Just wait, I'll definitely have my way with you one day!"

"I really don't get it, that quack hasn't even studied medicine. If he can cure your mother, I'll resign as a doctor!" Dr Christopher declared confidently.

Just then,

Creak!!!....

As soon as Dr Chris finished speaking, the door to the inner room opened. Mrs Miriam stepped out steadily and said,

"Well, you better get ready to sign your resignation letter."

"Mom, you're healed!" Anna exclaimed, overjoyed to see her mother looking healthier and even younger than before.

"Yes, I'm completely better, and it's all thanks to Lucas" Miriam replied happily. Only those who have suffered through illness can truly understand the joy of recovery.

"How is this possible?" Dr Christopher stood there dumbfounded. Though he wasn't the best in medicine, he knew Miriam's condition was chronic and supposedly incurable. Yet here she was, free from pain, looking rejuvenated and more radiant.

"Why is it not possible?" Lucas chimed in as he emerged, having regained some strength after resting.

Dr Christopher felt a sudden cold feeling running through his body because of Lucas's feeling. He remembered their bet and knew it would be disgraceful to do something like that. Besides he was so sure Lucas couldn't heal Mrs Miriam and because he wanted to show off and humiliate Lucas, he readily agreed to the bet, but now the reverse was the case. The only option left was to escape silently.

"Since Mrs Miriam is fine, I'll be heading out," Dr Christopher said smiling, trying to make a quick exit with his medical bag.

"Hold it right there!" a voice suddenly rang out from behind him....

Pls guys am sorry for late response to posting for sometime now. I had technical issues that I needed to solve. Pls am so sorry....