Chapter 197
Horatio struggled, his hand gripping the doorframe as he tried to stand up, but it was like his legs had vanished.
“Horatio, what’s happening to you?” Valerian rushed over, trying to help him up, but Horatio was too heavy for
him to lift.
“What’s going on?” Ulysses asked, his face full of worry as he stared at Horatio.
Horatio’s face was pale and tense. “I… I can’t feel my legs.”
“How is that possible?” Valerian was getting anxious.
Both he and Ulysses tried to hoist Horatio to his feet, but Horatio’s legs were completely numb.
Even with his brothers‘ help, Horatio couldn’t muster any strength. He was utterly bewildered and panic–stricken.
“I have no strength at all. My legs… are they failing me again? Am I going to need a wheelchair again?”
“No, I don’t want to be in a wheelchair! Valerian, Ulysses, I can’t return to those days, needing someone to take care of me!”
Horatio shook his head frantically, his brows furrowed as he desperately tried to stand. But he had no strength. He couldn’t stand by himself. His legs were like jelly with no sensation whatsoever.
“This can’t be happening. Weren’t my legs supposed to be fine?”
In a fit of frustration, Horatio began to pound on his legs, but no matter how hard he hit, he felt nothing.
Valerian and Ulysses exchanged worried glances.
“Take it easy, Horatio. Maybe you’re too stressed. Try to relax and see if you can feel anything,” Valerian suggested.
“Let’s get you over to the couch so you can sit and take a breather,” Ulysses nodded in agreement. “I’ve heard of people experiencing this kind of thing because of stress. It might just be in your head.”
“Yeah, didn’t Lisette say your legs were fine?” Valerian reassured him as they helped Horatio onto the couch.
Horatio sat there with his eyes filled with despair. It wasn’t the first time it had happened. His legs had been giving out unexpectedly more frequently, and they seemed to take longer to recover each time. He couldn’t help but recall what Calliope had once said.
“Callie did mention something about my legs acting up again,” Horatio muttered, his brows knitted in worry. “What if I can never stand up again?”
“That’s not going to happen,” Valerian said firmly, his face determined. “Don’t listen to Calliope! She’s probably just trying to mess with your head, make you think you can’t stand.”
“Why would she do that?” Ulysses was indignant. “Back when you had your accident, she didn’t lift a finger to help. It was Lisette who helped you recover. Calliope’s always trying to take credit for Lisette’s work, always jealous of her!”
“She’s so infuriating, always making mistakes and never owning up to them. She should apologize to us and Lisette, but instead she thinks cutting ties with us solves everything!”
Horatio remained silent, the unease gnawing at him. He pinched his thigh hard. But there was no sensation.
“Stop it!” Valerian said, frowning. “You’ll hurt yourself. Let me carry you downstairs. Lisette will know what to
do.”
“Yeah. Lisette said she’d fix this,” Horatio nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. The thought of Lisette’s assurance eased his mind a little.
22.03
Chapter 197
With his brothers‘ help, Horatio made it back home. When they arrived, he felt a sensation returning to his legs.
He could stand again.
As he climbed out of the car, Ulysses asked, “Can you walk, or should Valerian carry you?”
“I’m okay. It feels like I’m back to normal.” Horatio took a few tentative steps, his legs responding as they should, as if nothing had happened.
