He raised the previously dislocated shoulder. Careful, controlled.
Almost full mobility.
The dislocation had been severe. Should take weeks to regain this much function.
Not days.
“Good. Really good, actually. Let’s confirm with imaging.”
Positioned him for the X-ray. Equipment finally ready. “Stay still.”
Hit the button. Equipment clicked and whirred.
The image developed on screen.
Clean result. Joint properly aligned. No fractures.
“Reduction held.” Grabbed k-tape from the supply cabinet. Positioned it across his shoulder with firm pressure. “This’ll help with stability.”
Finished. Stepped back before the contact could mean more than it should.
“Head and throat next. Need exact positioning.”
Xavier’s expression shifted. Tension sliding into place.
This was it. Answers about why he couldn’t speak.
What if nothing shows? What if it shows something I can’t fix?
Gestured for him to lie back on the table.
“Hold still. This needs to be precise.”
Leaned over to adjust positioning. Palms cupping his jaw, turning his head to the correct angle. Fingertips sliding into his hair, cradling his skull.
Our faces ended up inches apart.
His attention locked on mine.
Then I pulled away. “That should do it.”
Hit the button before I could second-guess.
Equipment clicked and whirred. Image processing.
Both of us waiting.
The screen came to life.
I studied the display. Expecting normal throat structures. Maybe some damage. Explanation for muteness.
Found something else entirely.
Froze.
There. Near the spine. Upper cervical area. Shadow that shouldn’t exist.
Foreign object. Too precise to be natural. Regular edges.
