Removing his glasses, Peter dabbed at the corners of his eyes discreetly.

Some bonds were simply irreplaceable.

Regaining his composure, Peter gave Laura a gentle pat and cleared his throat.

“What's this? Aren't you glad to see your Uncle Mark?" he inquired.

Silence was her response.

Instead, her hands danced in the air, conversing in sign language.

Thank goodness, Peter and his spouse cherished Laura enough to embrace her world of silence, learning to communicate in her language.

Peter turned to Mark, his voice breaking the quiet.

"She's expressing joy. She's... truly over the moon."

Mark's emotions welled up, a sob catching in his throat.

He managed a nod, but awkwardness shaded his features soon after. The conversation shifted to Laura's condition as they engaged with the doctor.

Having reviewed the X-ray, the doctor shared, "It's a tad complex, yet nothing we can't tackle."

Seeking confidentiality, the doctor beckoned Mark aside. Laura's eyes, twinkling, followed him.

Mark caressed her hair once more before following the doctor to his office.

Knowing well Mark's close ties with the Fowlers, the doctor extended his hospitality, offering a glass of water.

Mark's gaze held stories untold.

Settling into his chair, the doctor mulled over his words before speaking with a reassuring smile.

“Her physical injury is manageable.

However, mending her psychological scars is a tougher mountain to climb. I've been told her silence stems from emotional trauma. What delayed her treatment?"

Mark's face was a canvas of stoicism.