Re: Hell's Kitchen, Marvel, Clem & Matt
I got to fuss at you 'bout laughing too? [She asked it with that same easy smile that carried, and no, she wasn't no one's momma. That was the problem, or it had been when she'd given her baby up come the beginning of the year. Three months now, and she had a mad itch to see the child she'd handed over so small. But Clementine, she wasn't made for mothering. She was made for being Aunt Clem, who listened when no one else did, and who forgave way too easy things that should get a boy a good whupping. No one frowned down at good whuppings when she was growing, even if her momma had preferred to retire on over to the fainting couch and let the help get on with that kind of rearing.
But he was touching, and she didn't think it was invasive any. It was just different, and her voice took on encouraging when he paused.] You can touch. I don't mind any. Can't say I got myself a lot of experience with folks that can't see, but I know touching's good as a replacement, and I ain't particularly careful about space. [It was hard to be fussed about anything in her profession.
She let him tug back his own blankets without helping, figuring it would do his pride good, and willing to let him do it himself unless she saw something bleed through red on white. She leaned to her kit, the one she kept at the foot of the bed, and she warmed the stethoscope with a puff of hot exhale. She was watching him as she did it, looking over, and she sat up and close a second later.] This shouldn't be cold. Just want to listen to your breathing. Metal at your back, honey. [Before putting the stethoscope against his shoulder, then sliding it down some.] Not grave. Looks real good. [She assumed he meant himself, not the world out there. The world out there, it didn't look as good as that.] Don't hear anything rattling. Was worried about that. [Which she was willing to admit after the fact.
The stethoscope slid on down toward his kidneys.] You keep taking good breaths for me. Not too deep on account of those ribs. [She listened quiet.] This happen a whole lot? [Scars.]