Whumpee who, before being held in captivity by Whumper, was someone with a lot of potential. They were great at what they did and on track to do amazing things. Their life wasn't perfect by any means, but it was what most people would consider pretty damn good. But after finally being rescued after years under Whumper's thumb, they're a shell of their former self who can do very little of what they used to. They feel like they have to start their life all over again and have no idea how long it will take to rebuild, but at least they have Caretaker by their side to help.
oh that’s good, that’s really good.
hits especially hard, I think, if caretaker is someone who was involved in their former life and activity. they were in the same field, colleagues. or teammates. or they competed against each other. or they were friends who met in the same program for their thing. caretaker has always admired and respected them and their skill and dedication - and them personally, too.
and now they aren’t the same. they’re disabled by what whumper did to them - physically or as a result of psychological trauma. they’re not the same person, not the same professional. not the same prodigy.
but caretaker is still there. their relationship survives the lack of whumpee’s talent and accolades. caretaker’s affection, caretaker’s good opinion, caretaker’s respect is not contingent on that thing that used to make whumpee so special. it seems too good to be true. but there caretaker is, holding their hand in the dark, still looking at them with the same warmth as ever.













