The Reward That He Wants

"Good morning, Mr. Collins," the doctor who had been overseeing Alex's condition since the accident arrived in Alex's room. He was an older gentleman with graying hair and a kind but professional demeanor.

Behind him, Liana followed, holding a clipboard with Alex's latest medical records.

Dr. Reynolds greeted as he stepped closer. He took a moment to glance at Alex, assessing him carefully.

"How are you feeling today?"

"A bit better, I guess," Alex answered. "Still not great that I'm stuck here, but… I don't feel as awful as before."

Dr. Reynolds gave a small nod of approval before flipping through the notes on his tablet.

"Well, I have some good news. Your recent tests and physical evaluations show significant improvement in your body. More than we initially expected, actually."

Claire's eyes jumped.

"Really?"

It was such good news.

The doctor smiled and nodded.

"Yes. Alex's muscle response is improving, and his body is healing well. Given the progress you've made, I believe we may be able to start physical therapy soon to help him regain his mobility."

Alex's eyes widened slightly.

"Therapy? You mean I'll be able to walk again soon?"

"Yes, but It's going to take time, and it won't be easy. Physical rehabilitation is a gradual process, but based on your current recovery rate, I'd say we can start with small movements and assisted exercises within the next few days. If you continue improving at this rate, we'll gradually increase the intensity of the therapy." Dr. Reynolds nodded as he explained it.

Claire pressed a hand to her chest, relief washing over her features.

"That's… that's amazing news."

Alex was also gladdened about it. He had spent so much time in bed, and now, maybe soon enough, he could walk again. It wouldn't be instant, but with the help of the system, he knew he'd be able to do it much faster.

Dr. Reynolds continued, "Of course, we'll need to monitor your progress closely. I'll coordinate with the physical therapists to develop a tailored rehabilitation plan for you. For now, keep focusing on your rest and nutrition. Your body still needs time to recover."

"Got it." Alex nodded.

With that, Dr. Reynolds gave a few more instructions to the nurse before turning to Claire. "If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to contact me. Otherwise, I'll see you both again in a few days for another evaluation before we start the therapy."

"Thank you, doctor," Claire said sincerely.

As soon as Dr. Reynolds left, Claire turned to Alex, her eyes slightly glossy with emotion. She took a deep breath before suddenly wrapping her arms around him in a firm and warm embrace.

Claire didn't mind, even if Alex's head was pressed down against the middle of her breast. She was really happy to hear the good news regarding Alex's state.

Alex stiffened at first but then relaxed. The softness of Claire's breast was pressing down on his cheeks. With their current position, he was able to inhale her scent. It was sweet and a little bit floral.

"I'm so happy for you, Alex," Claire murmured, holding him tightly. "You've been through so much, and now you're finally getting better. I knew you could do it."

Alex, despite being caught off guard by the sudden hug, felt warmth spread through him. It was rare to see Claire this openly emotional, and it made him appreciate her even more.

Claire pulled back slightly, wiping the corners of her eyes before giving him a bright smile. "Since you've been resting well and following what the doctors say, I think you deserve a reward."

"A reward?" Alex raised an eyebrow. That somehow excites him.

Claire nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! Anything you want as long as I can give it to you." She uttered with a smile on her face. 

 "If you want new things, any food, or anything you like, then just say it."

Alex thought about it for a moment, considering his options. There were a lot of things he wanted, but given his current condition, his choices were somewhat limited.

"Hmm…" He tapped his fingers against the blanket.

Then, the words that his sisters said to him yesterday popped into his head once again

"By the way, do you know that there's another form of stress ball?"

"I do have something I want, Claire." Alex hesitated for a little bit.

Would it be too improper for him to ask Claire about it?

"I heard that there's another way to relieve stress…" Alex's uttered in a low voice. He eyed Claire unsurely, which the woman immediately noticed.

'Why does he look shy?' Claire uttered as she frowned. 'Does he think that I won't give him what he wants?' that suddenly pained her. She was willing to give Alex whatever he wanted today.

"What is it, sweetheart?" Claire pressed gently, her voice warm with encouragement. "You can ask for anything. You know I'll try my best to get it for you."

Alex swallowed, feeling the heat in his cheeks intensify. He wasn't sure if he should even bring this up, but Sienna and Mia had said it so casually yesterday that it got stuck in his mind.

"Well…"

"Go on, say it, sweetheart," Claire encouraged him. 

Alex sighed.

"I saw on the internet that there's another way to relieve stress than squeezing a stress ball," he muttered.

He could only say that it was from the internet since he couldn't out the two.

"A different kind?" Claire blinked. She was kind of slow for today since her mind was still clouded with happiness.

Alex nodded.

"They said it's… softer. And warmer."

Claire's brows furrowed for a moment as she tried to process his words. Then, realization dawned on her.

Her expression wavered between amusement and disbelief. Still, she can't blame Alex. She was the one to introduce him to these worldly things and she should be responsible as an adult.

Also, this was also a great way to teach him more.

"Oh, honey…" Claire let out a sudden laugh, covering her mouth. " 

"I knew this was a bad idea…" Alex groaned. 

Claire shook her head, still chuckling.

"I can't believe you're really all grown up now." She leaned forward, gently ruffling his hair. "And here I thought you were going to ask for something more serious."

Alex's eyes widened as his gaze went back to his mother.

"Since you want that as a reward then I shall give it. Just this once, okay?" Claire uttered with a smile on her face.

Claire reached out on the hem of her top and slowly removed it, revealing her two large mountains that were only covered by a tiny piece of clothing.