(Alex POV)

The look on Lily's face when she realizes she can't move her legs is absolutely perfect. Pure, unadulterated horror. Her eyes go wide, pupils dilated with shock, and her mouth opens in a silent scream. She tries again and again to move them, her face scrunching up with effort, but nothing happens.

It's everything I dreamed it would be.

"Alex," she whispers, her voice breaking. "Please tell me this is temporary. Please tell me the doctors can fix this."

I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. Instead, I arrange my face into an expression of deep concern and sorrow.

"I wish I...