Fiona watched the scene unfold, her eyes taking in every detail.
"Allen, you look just as strong as ever," Christina said, rushing over to hug him.
As they reveled in their happiness, Fiona's voice sliced through the moment like a cold breeze. "You're celebrating too soon," she remarked, returning to her desk and fixing them with a stern look. "Healing doesn't happen that fast."
Her words seemed to cast a spell, freezing them in place as they turned their eyes to her, doubt etched on their faces.
The hospital director stepped in, adding weight to Fiona's warning. Though Allen seemed revitalized, the treatment wasn't finished. "Ms. Fiona is right," the director confirmed. "Your current well-being is thanks to Ms. Fiona's extraordinary acupuncture skills. It's not a full recovery, just an illusion of one. And let this be a reminder not to underestimate someone's abilities based on their age."
Instead of backing down, Christina's annoyance flared up. "Director, if you could really cure him, why didn't you do it from the start? Are you just toying with us?" Her face contorted in anger.
Fiona shook her head at Christina's outburst, thinking how skewed her perspective was.
The director nearly snapped, struggling to maintain his composure against Christina's provocations. But a subtle cough from Fiona made him pause and rethink his response.
"Since you claim to have a cure, just do it already. We've got deadlines, and this has wasted enough of our time," Christina said with a dismissive wave, glaring at Fiona. "Use your acupuncture or whatever."
This plea was music to Fiona's ears, the first sensible thing she'd heard since arriving.
Fiona instructed Allen to lie down and performed another acupuncture session, this time with dozens of needles. Christina watched, wide-eyed and anxious, but there was no turning back now.
Once finished, Fiona checked her watch. It was almost lunchtime. "I'm heading out," she announced, packing up her things.
Christina and the director were both visibly on edge. "Ms. Fiona, you can't just leave," Christina implored, blocking Fiona's path and gesturing to Allen, still bristling with needles. "What if something happens to him?"
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