"Mrs. Xu! You're doing good! Three steps!"
Leslie chuckled hearing how enthusiastically Ms. Chen praised her while clapping hands. Her breathing was slightly ragged as she held back the strain from her legs up to her hands. Sweats dripped on her reddened face and her back.
"Let's get you seated."
Ms. Chen extended her arms through Leslie's armpits, securing her back before lowering her to the wheelchair. The latter inadvertently took in a couple of deep breaths.
"Haa... haa.... did I do... really well?"
Leslie watched Ms. Chen's smile deepen as the latter nodded.
"Very. You managed to take three steps today, Mrs. Xu. Your movements aren't steady yet but, you hold on until the third step. That's great!"
Leslie blinked, her smile slowly spread on her sweaty face. Her hands were tired from holding the steel bars while her legs felt so strained but, the ache didn't dispel her happiness in knowing her improvements.