In fact, the two of them had been restrained from being too intimate.

It wasn't for lack of desire, but rather a careful restraint born out of necessity.

On one hand, there was his health, a constant reminder of his limitations. On the other, there was Annis's past; what she had endured. He feared that initiating a physical relationship too soon might rekindle her traumas and hurt her in ways he couldn't mend.

But lately, Annis had shown signs of healing.

Her spirit was slowly recovering.

Her once vibrant personality was beginning to resurface.

She was slowly reclaiming the carefree, straightforward demeanor he had fallen in love with.

The woman who was lovely and effortlessly captivated his heart.

He cherished these glimpses of the woman she used to be, and it filled him with hope.

Alick's smile deepened as he reminisced about the early days of their relationship.

But as the minutes ticked by, a gnawing sense of worry crept in.

Annis was taking longer than usual.

Even a long shower shouldn't take this much time.

Eventually, Alick's concern overpowered his patience. He stood up and walked out of the room. Seeing that the bathroom door was still closed, he knocked on the door. "Annis?"

"Ah..." A startled yelp came from inside. Alick's heart pounded in his chest.

“What's wrong, Annis?" he called, his voice edged with worry.

“Nothing, nothing..." Her reply was rushed, unconvincing. "I haven't finished yet. Don't push me."

Alick frowned, his concern deepening. Something was off.

He checked the time.

It had been almost an hour since she had gone in. No one took that long in the shower without a reason.