The next morning, Richard woke up with severe pain radiating from his lower back. He had managed to sleep through it the previous night, but now it felt like it had intensified to an unbearable degree. He groaned softly, trying to shift his position without waking Leah.

Leah stirred next to him, her eyes fluttering open. She immediately noticed the strained expression on Richard's face.

Leah, "Richard, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

Richard tried to put on a brave face, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, Leah. Just a bit of a sore back."

Leah's brow furrowed as she sat up, crossing her arms. "Don't lie to me, Richard. You look...