Beyond Limitations

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

Stitching a wound requires a pair of steady hands. Those of Leslie Thompkins barely qualify at the moment. The anger that boils within threatens to explode in effusive language. Cursing her patient's stupidity will have to come later though. Right now, all of her concentration is focused on the task at hand.

The stomach wound she closed just two days earlier has been reopened. The area around the remaining stitches shows definite signs of infection. His color looks worse than it did the day before. This is one patient who won't be testing the limits of his endurance any time soon. He's done that already. Now he's paying the price.

A select number of friends and family gather to pick up the pieces.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

One man stands near her, efficiently handing her the instruments she needs as she asks for them, moving in quickly to wipe away the blood that threatens to obscure the field she labours in.

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

Some part of her was prepared for this. Two days at the clinic simply wasn't enough. A wound like this is no small matter. How could Bruce have possibly treated it as such? She shakes her head, the expression on her face far from neutral.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

Quietly, he says, "I regret to inform you that the play may end its run before Master Bruce is recovered. I shall endeavor to find another."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

It may seem inappropriate conversation to have over a sick man and an open wound. Different individuals have different ways of coping though. For these two sentinels, it's a familiar means of dealing with the stress that comes with a unique duty.

"We'll always have Shakespeare." Her voice is equally as quiet. Subdued almost.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"Indeed. The Bard's works are eternal." He tosses a bloody sponge into the proper receptacle. He does not comment on the neverending battle waged by their patient, nor will he mention the cost paid by others.

Some things should never be said, even when they are known.

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

Some things simply can't be adequately expressed in words. Luckily there's no need.

She pulls gently on a stitch before stealing a glance at Bruce's face. Even in a sleep that brings no dreams, he seems unsettled. Regardless, she hopes it lasts. The longer stillness is forced upon him, the better chance his body has at recovery.

"I'm looking forward to dinner," she adds.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"I am relieved to hear that, dear lady." His voice warms. "The chef, at least, will be practising his art for much longer than the thespians."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

The stitches that managed to survive the unorthodox punishment are left alone. This is a mission of repair, not unnecessary replacement. The less time she spends in the wound, the better. She doesn't want it exposed a moment longer than required.

His temperature is not dangerously high. She wants to keep it that way. There's an IV supplying his body with much needed anti-biotics. Who knows how long he neglected them after he arrived home.

"Someplace we've been before?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"No, though it is quite charming, and the chef shows promise." He eyes the IV, then looks measuringly at Bruce's wrists, apparently pondering restraints.

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

Very little escapes Leslie when her particular expertise is in use. "He's not going anywhere, dear."

How does she know for sure? Pharmacology is a wonderful thing.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

He nods, a grimly satisfied smile on his face. "It has been many years since I was able to confine him to his room. Thank you, Leslie."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

A brief sideways glance is his immediate reward. The expression she wears is decidedly less bleak. "Don't thank me yet."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"Later on I may not have the opportunity." Alfred gives her one of his little bows. "Gratitude should be expressed promptly and sincerely."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

She's never felt under appreciated in the presence of either of these men. Where words fail, actions compensate. That's the way it's always been. That's the way it'll always be.

"There will always be an opportunity, dear." It's a promise.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"I share your optimism, dear lady." He straightens up. "Now ... I should notify the rest of the family of his condition. They do so appreciate specifics, the better to harangue him into resting."

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

She's on the last stitch now. His timing is impeccable. "Would you hand me the rest of the gauze, please?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"Yes, doctor." The gauze is presented. "Will there be anything else?"

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

She looks up and takes the material in hand. There is no movement though to withdraw. Her eyes meet his and for a moment, they both have a hold.

"Alfred..." There is so much she wants to say. Very rarely is Leslie Thompkins at a loss for words.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

He does not waver from her gaze. "Pot of tea it is, then," he says, meaning so much more.

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

For the first time today, a faint smile crosses her face.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_alfred_/]

"With biscuits."

Only the best, along with the best cream and sugar for her, and a slice of lemon for himself.

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

"Just what the doctor ordered," she whispers gratefully. Only now does the gauze travel to its final destination. Once again, she turns all her concentration on Bruce. The burning desire to curse his stupidity is gone. He's alive and given the care required, he'll recover. That's all that matters.