A Heartfelt Congratulations

In the dimly lit dining room, Aurora carefully placed her wine glass down, watching as Xander moved his injured shoulder slightly while reaching for a glass of water. It made her brows knit in concern.

"Are you really going to the wedding tomorrow?" she asked, her tone soft but worried. "With your shoulder not fully healed… you know you shouldn't be doing anything to strain it."

Xander offered a reassuring smile. "I'll manage. I won't be lifting anything heavy or making vigorous movements. I promise."

She didn't look entirely convinced. "I don't need any activity causing more pain in that shoulder. But it's obvious that you won't be able to avoid it." Sighing, she added, "Who knows how many handshakes you will have to give."

Xander replied, setting his glass down, "I can't avoid the handshakes, but I can make them subtle. Also, I'm Owen's uncle, and I have to show up since my aged parents won't be showing up."