And Came the Darkness
It wasn't an easy night for Cari. She was awoken by Doc in the course of the night during one of her tossing and turnings. But same as before, Cari was met with the same darkness. She had felt Doc's hand touch her shoulder as he whispered to her. "Mrs. Ravencroft." Doc's voice was unforgettable. It held a gentle tone that reminded Cari of her father. He said again, not sure if she heard him, "Mrs. Ravencroft." Cari turned her head to him; eyes squinting as if it would help her see. Then the stinging came. She closed her eyes and tears formed. It wasn't a gouging pain, but it was enough to be a constant annoyance. Through that, however, she could hear Doc rustle through his bag. There wasn't much to smell as Doc often smelt of peppermint which was strong enough. Doc kept his voice low so not to disturb those sleeping, "I'm going to put an ointment in your eyes. It should help the burning. This should at least let you sleep until they can heal." In a breath he was no longer in his worgen form, but his human. "Try your best to hold still," he instructed. A cooling sensation came to Cari's eyes the moment the ointment was settled in. The paste-like medicine felt gross, but the woman couldn't complain. "There is a numbing herb inside. So that should help. I'll be by to check on you on the hour. I would suggest you stay inside for now --" "Like I can go anywhere," Cari snapped. "Madam," Doc retorted in a firm tone. "That attitude will not get you anywhere. We've had this discussion before." "I know, I know." "You know, but do you actually care? So many people here can benefit from your skills. You have the perfect opportunity to start anew. You know this, yet you throw it away like yesterday's post." Cari sneered and looked away. She knew Doc was correct. "Old habits --" "Die hard?" Doc interupted. "This has nothing to do with habits. This is about your ego. After they gave you a new body no less. You let your old hatreds and pride spew up. Look around you, Mrs. Ravencroft. You have one sitting right there that's willing to die for you. Yet you don't care?" Cari's head turned back to Doc as she spat in whisper, "You listen here! I do care for him! Which is all the more reason to protect him! --" "I know your intentions! I have seen what you've done in the past. Do not be so foolish as to throw this away!" Cari went silent. Doc continued, "I will return in an hour. I do hope you think about what you're doing in your time of recovery." With that he stood and took his bag with him. Leaving Cari to lay there in the darkness.