21 May 2021, 01:49
Healing Arts
Nikolai hesitated for just a moment, looking at the adult offering a show of companionship to him with something that didn’t look too far from awe. He blinked the expression away, trying not to look too ridiculous at the extension of basic human kindness.
He took Nurse Brumby’s hand and shook (his hands were so much larger than Nikolai’s, and—Niko noticed with a grimace—not as smooth and pristine as he might have hoped a medical man’s hands might be). And there was a surge of new feeling that worked its way from that handshake, down his arm, and into the warm center of his chest.
Confidence. Maybe for the first time in his short life, Nikolai felt sure of something. Hit with a grinning enthusiasm boosted by the simple show of kindness on Brumby’s part on his behalf.
“Um, thanks again!” Nikolai called as he helped himself down out of the chair—prepared for the worst when he landed on both feet and was pleasantly surprised (and relieved) to find that the pain was nearly gone altogether. “I’ll uh… see you again! Not like—not from getting hurt again, but—”
Best leave the awkward sentences to die where they fell, Nikolai thought as he rounded away from the head nurse and left.
He practically bolted from the Hospital Wing, back down the stairs, toward the library. He had some reading to do.
He took Nurse Brumby’s hand and shook (his hands were so much larger than Nikolai’s, and—Niko noticed with a grimace—not as smooth and pristine as he might have hoped a medical man’s hands might be). And there was a surge of new feeling that worked its way from that handshake, down his arm, and into the warm center of his chest.
Confidence. Maybe for the first time in his short life, Nikolai felt sure of something. Hit with a grinning enthusiasm boosted by the simple show of kindness on Brumby’s part on his behalf.
“Um, thanks again!” Nikolai called as he helped himself down out of the chair—prepared for the worst when he landed on both feet and was pleasantly surprised (and relieved) to find that the pain was nearly gone altogether. “I’ll uh… see you again! Not like—not from getting hurt again, but—”
Best leave the awkward sentences to die where they fell, Nikolai thought as he rounded away from the head nurse and left.
He practically bolted from the Hospital Wing, back down the stairs, toward the library. He had some reading to do.