He shakes his head. This is the sort of problem he canβt just carve out with a knife; canβt just string together some reassuring words to fix it all in one go, and he already wasnβt the best at those inspirational speeches.
The issue of the stump, in fact, is simpler. Even with the medical complications, the trouble healing, the infection and near-sepsis, this is at least a physical problem that Doctor Strange knows how to solve. And itβs already been cleaned out and re-dressed, this checkup long-since technically finished, but —
βItβs healing nicely,β Stephen says, a quick pivot back into safer territory, even though itβs repeating what heβs already said and what she already knows. He readjusts the trailing end of the bandage, tucking it in tighter.
βSo I think weβre about done here, Ennaris.β And then, in case that feels too much like potential dismissal, he offers her a quick smile along with: βAnd telepathy practice at the usual time tomorrow, if youβre feeling up for it?β
Ness smiles softly, and nodsβhe's dismissing her, no matter how he's tried to soften the blow, but it's alright. She isn't any more sure how to have this conversation than Stephen is, and isn't ready for it anyway. Some wounds you guard like a frightened dog, even though everyone can see them regardless.
"I've hit six minutes," she tells him, proud, as she stands to leave the office. "And I think I've worked out how I might be able to affect motor function, but I haven't had any good opportunities for testingβwe'll have to brainstorm."
Before she leaves, she touches her hand to his shoulder, gentle, and murmurs her thanks. And then she's off to her own office, and her own job.
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poss yrs to wrap?
The issue of the stump, in fact, is simpler. Even with the medical complications, the trouble healing, the infection and near-sepsis, this is at least a physical problem that Doctor Strange knows how to solve. And itβs already been cleaned out and re-dressed, this checkup long-since technically finished, but —
βItβs healing nicely,β Stephen says, a quick pivot back into safer territory, even though itβs repeating what heβs already said and what she already knows. He readjusts the trailing end of the bandage, tucking it in tighter.
βSo I think weβre about done here, Ennaris.β And then, in case that feels too much like potential dismissal, he offers her a quick smile along with: βAnd telepathy practice at the usual time tomorrow, if youβre feeling up for it?β
π!
"I've hit six minutes," she tells him, proud, as she stands to leave the office. "And I think I've worked out how I might be able to affect motor function, but I haven't had any good opportunities for testingβwe'll have to brainstorm."
Before she leaves, she touches her hand to his shoulder, gentle, and murmurs her thanks. And then she's off to her own office, and her own job.