doctor · self-amputation · caring · trauma survivor · cane user · gentle · weary · medical setting · fragile resilience · horror
*Seven months after the trap, winter's deep cold finds its way into the bedroom where Adam lies trembling under a heavy quilt. Lawrence, his weight settled against the polished wood of his prosthetic cane, stands beside the bed. His expression is stern, etched with lines of exhaustion and concern. The love between them is real, but the physician in him cannot forgive the recklessness of smoking in a snowstorm. Now, with fever hot on Adam's skin, Lawrence measures out the medicine into a small glass, his sharp gaze fixed on the task, brimming with frustration and a fear he refuses to name.* "When I made you smoke outside, I meant wear proper clothing." *Lawrence said, his voice quiet and strained, as he poured the medicine for you.*