Emma watches from the corner and is pleased to see Regina pass the swallow test as the thickening agent they brought in looks horrendous. For the most part, Regina has remained lucid and has been forming words more easily.
Dr. Russler enters the room with a Wartenburg Wheel in her hand.
Emma eyeballs the device's tiny needle points on the wheel and walks over to the doctor. "What exactly is that?"
Ignoring Emma, Dr. Russler waits for Regina's attention. "This is a tool to test your sensory responses. I will roll it over your limbs to test your body's responses."
"Does…it hur- hurt?" Regina struggles to ask.
The doctor nods. "Yes, but consider the pain a positive step towards recovery. Are you ready?"
"Wait," Emma throws an arm out as a barrier between the doctor and Regina. "Is this necessary?"
With an aggravated sigh, the doctor looks at Emma. "Do you understand that your wife is extremely fortunate right now? What you did to her left her with a 10% recovery chance. I'd say you're lucky she's not of the majority." She pushes Emma's arm out of the way. "Now, if you would actually like for her to completely recover, I ask that you let me do my job."
"Emma," Regina calls out. Emma looks up and sees Regina flexing her hand for Emma to take. She nods and moves up to hold Regina's hand while Henry stands to take position at Regina's other side.
"I'm going to start on the pads of your feet," Dr. Russler informs her, bending down to start. She rolls the tiny needles across the center of her foot and nods approvingly when Regina whimpers and clenches her toes. "Good. You're getting more movement too. We will start physical therapy tomorrow to get your mobility back."
Regina releases a long breath when the doctor stops, but clamps her eyes shut and grips their hands tight when she starts rolling the tool up her legs.
Henry watches on in horror, his fingers turning white from Regina's grip while Emma studies Regina's face and tries not to cry for her.
Gen watches on from the corner of the room, her laptop idly at her side while Mary Margaret desperately tries to read her book.
"Alright Henry, I'm going to have to ask you to move," Dr. Russler says, finished torturing Regina's legs.
Henry shoots Regina an apologetic smile and drops her hand, moving down to rest his hand on her shin, making sure she knows he's not going far.
"What now?" Regina asks watching the tool.
Dr. Russler picks up her hand, palm up. "I'm going across your palm and up your forearm."
Regina tries to nod, but she barely moves. When the doctor starts, she tries to jerk away, but her grip is too strong. She looks up at Emma with tears in her eyes. "It hurts," she whispers.
Emma bends down and kisses her forehead. "I know, babe. I'm sorry. You're almost done."
The doctor switches sides with Emma and does the same thing with positive results but a less than pleased Regina. "That's it, I promise, Mrs. Mills. You did a great job. You're healing well. I recommend you get some rest. When you're ready, we do need you to talk with the social worker." She turns to leave.
"Now," Regina says clearly.
Dr. Russler spins around. "I'm sorry?"
"Now," Regina repeats. "Talk now."
Studying Regina, Dr. Russler asks, "Are you certain? It can wait until tomorrow. You don't have your full speech back meaning you may not be able to communicate as well as you need to."
"Gen… can help. She- she knows," Regina says, eyes on Gen.
Gen nods and steps over to Regina's side. "I represent the Swan-Mills family, Doctor, and I already have a documented statement from Mrs. Mills the day after the accident."
"I hope you won't be trying to sway any responses for the benefit of Mrs. Swan," the doctor challenges.
"I am a professional, Dr. Russler. And I believe this matter is between the state and the Swan-Mills, not you."
Dr. Russler sucks her teeth and nods. She leaves the room.
Almost on cue, the social worker files in. "I'm going to have to ask everyone to please leave the room." She stares at Emma.
Emma rolls her eyes and bends down to kiss Regina. "I love you. I'll be back soon."
Regina's lips quirk up in almost a smile, and she squeezes Emma's hand.
Emma leaves the room with Mary Margaret. Before leaving, Henry trots to the bed and hugs Regina. "I love you, Mom."
"I… love you t- too," Regina stammers.
He smiles and kisses her cheek before sending a glare at the social worker then leaving.
Once the room is cleared, the social worker smiles at Regina. "Mrs. Mills, I'm glad to see you are feeling better. We were starting to worry about you."
Regina glares at her as best she can. "Em-ma did…n't do this on- on pur- pur- pur." She releases a sharp breath. "Purpose."
"I understand that you may want to protect your wife, Mrs. Mills. This can't be an easy situation, but you need to do what's best for your safety. Think about your son in this too."
Regina looks up at Gen.
"Ma'am, please get on with your questions. This is difficult enough on my client without your assumptions. Can we please keep this objective?"
"Of course," the social worker offers one of her fake smiles. "Should we start with formalities?"
"You can skip to the burning question," Gen deadpans.
The social worker pulls up a seat and sets her open folder on her crossed legs and prepares her pen to write. "Mrs. Mills, please tell me what happened on Saturday that sent you to a hospital that night then to this hospital the very next night."
Regina slowly explains about Emma's trauma and how she scared Emma at the wrong time. Gen helps fill in holes and finish sentences that Regina can't manage. By the end, Regina is clenching Gen's hand.
"Mrs. Mills, if you are hiding something from me, it will only hurt yourself." The social worker drops her pen in her lap, displeased with Regina's account that supports Emma's statement.
Gen folds her hands in her lap. "Both of these women have given you their account of the accident. I do not believe there is anything further they can offer you, do you?"
"My job is to ensure Mrs. Mills' safety," the social worker challenges.
"She has proven to you that she feels safe, and that the accident was exactly that, an accident."
The social worker hums her disapproval. "I'm leaving your case open for the duration of your stay."
Gen nods. "I expect little else from you. Now, if you would be so kind, the doctor suggested Mrs. Mills rest."
Gathering her things, the social worker stands. "I'll be checking in on you and Mrs. Swan. If there is anything else you would like to discuss, I will be ready to listen."
"Have a good day, ma'am," Gen smiles, encouraging her to leave.
The social worker spins on her heel and marches out of the room.
Once the door is closed, Regina looks up at Gen and studies her face. "Thank you," she says quietly.
"It's my pleasure," Gen smiles down at her. "I'm glad you called me the other day."
"Me too." Regina reaches out her hand for Gen to take again.
Emma enters the room, followed by Henry and Mary Margaret. She stops and stares at their joined hands. "Everything okay?"
"Yes," Regina confirms. She holds up her other hand for Emma. "Come…here."
Emma smiles and goes to Regina's side. She glances up at Gen then kisses Regina on the lips.