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_/]

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.