I nod again, still feeling a little out of it. “So… how does it look?”
The doctor gives me a gentle smile. “Better. Want to see?”
I swallow hard. The last time I looked at my face I cried. But I find myself nodding anyway. He reaches for a handheld mirror and passes it to me. I take it with shaky hands, inhale deeply, and slowly lift it to my face. The second I see it, I lower the mirror instantly, gagging.
The doctor lets out a soft, understanding laugh. “The swelling will start going down properly now that the stitches are out. Don’t worry.”
But all I could see was the long, raised, angry-looking wound running across my cheek, over my nose, and up through my brow. It still looked raw and monstrous; I wish I hadn’t looked.
The doctor hands me a printed sheet of paper. “Now it’s up to you to look after it, Christopher. My job here is mostly done. For the past four days I’ve been washing it and applying the gel, but it’s a long road to healing. You need to get used to doing it yourself.”
I nod, understanding. I can’t keep relying on him for everything.
He taps the paper. “It’s all written down, but basically: I want you to gently wash the area two to three times a day with the mild cleanser I’m given you… just warm water and a soft cloth, no scrubbing. Keep the skin hydrated at all times. Use the cream I’ve prescribed twice a day, it’ll promote healing and, when scabs eventually form, it’ll help prevent them from cracking and bleeding again.”
He continues, tone serious but kind. “Avoidanyscented lotions, body washes, or perfumes near your face… they can irritate the scar. And for the first six months especially, you need to protect it from sunlight. Wear a hat for shade and use a high SPF sunscreen every day. Scars darken and thicken with sun exposure, so be diligent.”
I nod slowly, trying to take it all in. “Okay… thank you.”
The doctor gives my shoulder a light pat. “You’re going to be fine, Kit. It’s going to take time, but you’re already stronger than you think.”
???
It’s been about half an hour since the doctor left. I’ve just been lying here relaxing, the window cracked open so a nice cool breeze drifts across my face. It helps settle the lingering nausea. Lorraine came in a little while ago with a fresh glass of water and we talked quietly for a bit, but now my eyes are closed again, just enjoying the peace.
Suddenly, heavy boots boom down the hallway.
Lorraine chuckles softly. “Here he comes, kid.”
I whisper quickly, “Pretend I’m asleep.”
The door swings open and Soren’s deep, rough voice fills the room immediately. “Christopher, why didn’t you…”
Lorraine cuts him off with a loud “Shh!” and says sweetly, “Will you hush? He’s resting.”
Soren grunts, clearly displeased. “Didyouknow the doc took his stitches out?”
“Afterit was done, yes,” Lorraine replies calmly. “But you were out with Ray, so what was the point in telling you right then?”
Soren growls low in his throat. I can practically feel his frustration vibrating through the room. He probably thinks everyone around him is being disobedient again. I don’t see what the big deal is.
Lorraine continues, “Apparently Kit fainted during it, then couldn’t look at his face afterwards.”
I hear Soren’s heavy footsteps, then the scrape of a chair being pulled right up beside the bed. Fuck. He’s sitting directly in front of me now. I have to force myself to stay relaxed and pretend I’m sleeping, even though my heart is racing.
Lorraine asks casually, “So how was your day with Ray?”
Soren sighs. “We visited the precinct.”
“Ooh,” Lorraine says. “How’s the captain enjoying his job? He’s been there for… what, about two years now?”
Soren grunts. “He’s doing good enough. Knows his place. We just smoothed over the ‘problem’with the Vanderburns.”
Lorraine lets out a knowing little laugh, clearly understanding exactly what Soren meant. He’d gone to the precinct to make sure the captain kept his mouth shut and quietly closed any case they might have had on the Vanderburn brothers.What the hell am I even doing with a man like him?He controls half the city, bends the law to his will, and I… I can barely handle looking at my own face in the mirror.
Then Soren adds, “And then Ray helped merelievesome stress.”
My chest caves in. That burning jealousy flares up again hot and ugly.Helped relieve some stress?What the hell kind of sentence is that?
