the muscles of his face were starting to become numb—to feel like they were momentarily ‘stuck’ the way they were as he continued to grin. a wicked expression, one that was more fitting in a horror film than in a place of sanctuary, a place of supposed healing. salvatore was only a saviour in name, never in practice, but upon seeing secco’s reaction, he became convinced that he had done something for the man. eyes, wide open & fixated on the screen as if his life depended on it, had the doctor nearly quivering with his excitement! to finally share his work, his philosophy… it felt as if electricity coursed through his body. even if his words didn’t reflect the same enthusiasm, salvatore could see it in his expression; hope that was born in seeing someone fight for their life, only to succumb to the despair that circumstances brought, only to give up. those that lacked the will to live, the resolve to survive… those were the ones he considered as weak—the ones that were not fitting for this world.
“—whenever i can, at least. it can be quite tricky when doing it on my own…” his tone shifted on the latter half of his sentence, taking a more dramatic tilt, as if to make of his inconvenience, something one should feel sorry about. hands finding their way to rest on secco’s shoulder, fingers curling to hold him down as he stood behind him. out of sight, his expression changed. a much more sinister look in his expression, as he looked down at the other. “i can show you more just like that. or even better… i can show it to you… live, if you’re so curious.”
secco cranes his neck to view the doctor better from his position – the man’s face illuminated by the screen , a familiar image .. so reminiscent of his own time on the operating table . though this time , he wasn’t just grateful to be given his life back. to have that plague removed from him , by skilful hands. no , no .. this time he was grateful, for the trust , the doctor had in him .. to be shown something so.. special. so , eye-opening - something that would change his life.
secco smiles – wide , rows of crooked teeth on display. delight, clear in his expression. “ yes.. i – i want , to be there … to - to see it , s-salvatore – i can.. help you.” while he would , be content – just watching as the doctor worked , captivated by the procedure .. enthralled in watching as the new patient fought for their lives. it would feel , far more rewarding playing an active role in the venture.
“ j-just don’t make me , do it - i’ll .. i’d ruin it .. “ his only practice with a scalpel , being a messy affair of jagged , torn flesh , nothing like the doctors neat professionalism .. he didn’t trust his hands to obey him , they’d shake - or , he’d slip .. and they’d die before he could achieve the desired outcome. this doctor .. was so nice .. he understood him .. saved him from the rot invading his body.. he didn’t want to fail him. to be seen as useless again , a failure .. no , no , he wouldn’t let that happen.
