when tragedy strikes ☾ shirbert

chapter 08: oh, doctor (part 2)

a/n: welcome!! hope you all are well.
please try not to be a silent reader, enjoy the chapter. ♡

TW:
(MILD) BLOOD IMAGERY/DESCRIPTIONS

—

Gilbert's eyes were shut, his chest buffering each rise and fall, stiff bandages snuggly wrapped across his elevated leg. The way his face conveyed peace made the leather chair he was laying on look like a bed of the finest feathers. Seeing him so calm, out of pain, and finally resting, settled Anne's nerves.

"A large dislocation and a few minor pulls," Dr.Ward commented, "It could've faired far worse."

He reached for a brown glass cylinder on the counter and handed it to Anne. "This bottle contains a prescription for Gilbert," He explained, though he mentioned nothing of the cost.

Dr.Ward's grey spotted eyebrows creased in discontent, "Miss?"

Anne took her eyes off her friend, "Oh- yes?"

"Your legs are bleeding," He bluntly stated, "May I?"

Glancing at her stockings, some patches were dirtied with mud, others stained wine red. If he didn't say anything, Anne believed she wouldn't have noticed. Since there wasn't any pain, she brushed it off and assumed it would stop on its own.

"Thank you, but I'll be fine," She said politely, "I wouldn't want to trouble you."

"Nonsense," Dr.Ward replied and stuck his head in front of the doorway, "Ms. Rose?"

He stepped out of the room insinuating that Anne should follow him. She glanced at Gilbert (who was still sound asleep) before leaving.

"Please apply new bandages for Ms.Anne, will you?" Dr.Ward asked, yet it was apparent to be more of a command than a question. "It's fine to do it in the hall, it should be quick- nevertheless, nobody else should be arriving this evening."

Anne gave no recollection of ever introducing herself to Dr.Ward... maybe Winifred told him? Either way, it completely slipped her mind, she'd been so distracted she forgot to even thank the man.

"Of course," The blonde nodded, stacking a few tan filing folders before getting out of her chair. Dr.Ward grabbed another sheet of parchment and disappeared into a room at the end of the hall.

"I'll show you to the restroom, when you're finished please sit on the bench. I'll only take a moment," Winifred said, her heels on her shoes clicking as she led Anne to where she could change.

—

A wet sensation greeted Anne's fingertip as she pressed a spot below her knee, speckles of blood lingering on her skin. The liquid wasn't runny but still seeped from the cut, similar to a bubble. She patiently waited for Winifred by touching other spots on her bare legs. When the woman returned, she was carrying an open box and had gloved hands.

Winifred kneeled before her, beginning to unwrap the damp bandages and asking if Anne had done them herself. By the tone of her voice, she seemed impressed. Clarifying that it was Gilbert's work, Anne matched the gentle smile of the woman who let out a sound of understanding.