“She’ll need monitoring, follow-up appointments, and a careful recovery,” the surgeon said.

“But she’s awake enough to respond, and we’re pleased with how she tolerated the procedure.”

I covered my mouth.

Ruth let out a sound that was half sob, half thank-you.

Curtis spoke for the first time since the doctor arrived.

“Was all that really necessary?

Couldn’t you have tried painkillers?”

The surgeon held his gaze.