Chapter 2024

Austin took a deep breath to muster his courage and continue needling Dominic. The former hoped to eliminate the virus in Dominic’s body and allow him to recover. Austin did not want his granduncle to suffer anymore.

Only three needles remained, and Austin hesitated because the last three needles were the most painful yet critical to the treatment.

"Uncle Dom..." Austin squatted, picked up a towel from the side, and wiped the sweat off the older man's forehead. Austin looked at the sweat on Dominic’s body mixed with the water in the tub and could not tell which was which.

The older man's arms rested on the tub’s sides, his fingers tightly clenched. The veins on his arms bulged, showing he was enduring great torment.

"Uncle Dom?" There was no response, so Austin nervously called out again.

"Keep going!" Dominic spoke through gritted teeth, his voice sounding hoarse. Still, he persisted.

Austin's eyes welled as he controlled his emotions and said, "Uncle Dom, the next three needles