Night quietly descended, enveloping the place in darkness. Since the incident, Austin had turned off the lights to promote better rest; after all, few people worked at night.

However, the backyard room glowed with warmth. Since afternoon, he had been heating a large bucket of water, infusing it with a previously prepared herbal concoction. He had carefully selected and meticulously brewed the herbs, patiently completing all preparations. He felt exhausted, but this paled in comparison to what lay ahead.

He retrieved his acupuncture tools and stood behind Dominic, who soaked in an oversized bathtub, his back fully exposed. Dominic sat with closed eyes, semi-conscious—aware, yet not fully alert. His breathing was slightly rapid, perhaps from the hot water, and his face held a reddish hue, either from prolonged soaking or the heat. His skin appeared relaxed, wrinkles seemingly softened. "Uncle Dom, I'm going to start now," Austin said, taking a deep breath and holding a silver needle.

Dominic nodded silently; only the bubbling water provided sound. Beside the needles sat a bowl of dark herbal concoction, also prepared beforehand. Austin first soaked a needle in the mixture before inserting it into a specific acupoint on Dominic's back.

He slowly rotated the needle, but Dominic's expression remained unchanged; he seemed to feel nothing. Austin paused after the first needle, observing his granduncle's reaction. Satisfied, he proceeded to the second, then the third, and so on. With each needle, Dominic's composure faltered. His face twitched, and faint groans escaped his lips.

"Uncle Dom, should I continue?" Austin leaned closer, concerned. Despite their confidence, Dominic's age demanded caution.

Dominic gritted his teeth. "Keep going!"

Austin hesitated. Sweat beaded on Dominic's cheeks; veins bulged on his forehead. His pain was evident.

Damn this virus!