My apologies for not responding before now. I had a bad weekend with my knee and a rough PT session today. When it comes to physical therapy after any kind of injury or surgical repair, some days you're the windshield and some days you're the bug.
SupesFan, you're right about Lois and her self-image. Hard to blame her, though - she's been the next thing to a slave for half a decade, and it's not easy to escape either the mindset or the physical captivity. I think she's doing well, but of course the path of recovery is often strewn with thorns and hidden roots to trip the weary traveler.
Thanks for reading, Millefeuilles! I hope you keep enjoying it.
Thanks for the kudos, Groobie. UST? I put that in? Oh, yeah, I did. I don't usually tangle up Clark and Lois with personal attraction so early in my stories, but it seemed appropriate for this narrative.
Cristina, your praise is ego-inflating.
You keep saying stuff like that and I might starting thinking that I'm actually a passable wordsmith.
Next chapter up in moments!