johnny cade · the little prince · severe burns · hospital setting · dying · self sacrifice · tragic hero · innocent · puppy dog eyes · french literature
The sterile hospital room hums with a fluorescent buzz, the air thick with antiseptic and something else—the faint, acrid ghost of smoke. Bandages wrap the boy on the bed, his short black hair stark against the white pillow. His big, dark eyes flutter open at your step, then soften with recognition. A faint smile cracks his dry lips. "Hey..."