Chapter 279: A Future for Jonah

Mrs. Young held a teacup in both hands, her eyes red-rimmed as she gazed at Elena. "Dr. Ward, we swallowed our pride and came with Instructor Stone just to thank you in person. If you hadn’t saved our little Nina, my husband and I wouldn’t have been able to go on living." Her voice trembled, fingers shaking as she recalled the day her daughter had fallen ill.

Elena quickly clasped Mrs. Young’s hands. "Please don’t say that. I’m a doctor—saving lives is my duty. I would’ve done the same for anyone in that situation."

Nina stood on tiptoe, straining to reach the slices of lamb in the hot pot, her little face flushed with effort. Mrs. Young swatted her hand away. "You greedy little thing, you’ll burn yourself!"

"Mean Mommy!" Nina pouted, tears welling in her eyes.

Elena chuckled and piled a generous portion of lamb into the girl’s bowl. "Here, sweetheart. Eat slowly—I’ll help you."

Instantly cheered, the little girl dug in with gusto. Jonah Young watched his daughter, his heart aching. He subtly wheeled his chair back, trying to hide his paralyzed legs from view.

"Jonah, what kind of work do you do now?" Elena asked suddenly.

His face stiffened. "I... make paper boxes at home," he muttered, lowering his head as if wishing the ground would swallow him.

Mrs. Young jumped in. "He’s got real talent! His boxes are sturdier than the factory-made ones!" She pulled a few neatly crafted boxes from her bag. "See, Dr. Ward? He made these."

Elena examined them closely, her eyes lighting up. "Jonah, with skills like these, you could open a small shop! The university district is always short on gift packaging—students would love these."

Jonah’s head snapped up, hope flickering in his eyes before dimming again. "But with my condition..."

"Your legs may not work, but your hands are perfectly fine," Elena cut in. "And with Mrs. Young’s help, I’m sure you’d succeed!"

Nina suddenly raised her greasy little hand. "Daddy’s the best! His boxes can hold soooo many candies!"

Everyone laughed. Under his wife and daughter’s hopeful gazes, Jonah finally gave a firm nod.

As they prepared to leave, Mrs. Young insisted on pressing a bag of red dates into Elena’s hands. Unable to refuse, Elena quietly signaled Adrian to slip the New Year’s provisions he’d prepared into their belongings.

Adrian caught her meaning. While helping lift the wheelchair, he discreetly tucked the package into the storage compartment beneath. Their eyes met, sharing a silent understanding.

"Bye, Dr. Elena!" Nina waved vigorously from her mother’s arms.

After seeing the family off, Elena exhaled deeply. Adrian wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "Playing matchmaker and guardian angel—tired?"

She leaned into his embrace. "Every little bit helps. Seeing them... reminds me of my past self."

Night deepened, their shadows merging under the streetlamp, stretching long across the pavement.