The little boy squinted, his expression surprisingly like his father's. "Daddy, are you leaving me too?"

"Ahem!" Alexander cleared his throat, embarrassed. He coughed several times to mask his discomfort. "I'm not leaving you. I just..."

"Go!" The little boy waved, lowering his head to his Lego. "I'll be good!"

Alexander's words died in his throat. A rush of emotions, even guilt, washed over him. Lately, he'd been with Galen less than he wished, and Lily having to inform him about Daisy had exposed his son to danger. He felt indebted to Galen, but he'd had no choice; staying with Dominic was better than his grandmother. Galen was closer to Dominic, too.

"Galen, Mommy and Daddy will play with you all day when we finish work, okay?" Alexander gently rubbed his son's head.

"Okay!" Galen's cheerful voice reassured Alexander, who smiled, feeling calmer.

"That hurts!" A cry pierced the air, startling the garden birds into flight.

"Tsk, stop moving!" Dominic frowned, holding the needle impatiently.

Austin, regaining strength, was less cooperative. He wiggled whenever Dominic attempted to insert the needle, pushing Dominic to the brink.

"Uncle Dom, it's not that I'm moving on purpose. It just hurts! Are you sure you're in the right place?" Austin's lips pursed; the pain was unbearable, his struggle reflexive.

"You bastard, are you questioning me?!" Dominic scolded, standing and glaring.

Austin studied Dominic's face. "Uncle Dom, why would I question you? But Lily's didn't hurt as much. Different acupoints?"

Though unfamiliar with acupuncture, Austin knew his body. The points felt the same, yet Dominic's touch was far more painful.

"Who told you they're different? Of course it's the same point! She just has a lighter touch. What's so strange about that?!" Dominic rolled his eyes.

Austin hesitated, then said, "Uncle Dom, acupuncture isn't about strength."

Silence, then: "Are you going to let me do it or not?!"

Austin remained silent, wanting to refuse but fearing to. Though his attacks had ceased and his condition improved, the side effects weren't entirely gone. Acupuncture remained necessary.

'Forget it. I'll just bear it!'

"Yes, do it! Of course, I'll let you! I trust you!" Austin grinned, lying down and obediently turning his back.

Dominic raised an eyebrow, poised the needle, then lowered it.

"Ah!" Austin gritted his teeth, startling his granduncle.