IC Inbox (v1.0)

[jumpthegun]

You've reached Dr. John Watson. Please leave a message.

Comments

[equal_shots]

[He hesitates.] The symptoms come back that quickly?

Are...they the same as they are now, in severity? [In truth, Kid isn't sure how he'd feel about a short reprieve only to immediately be as sick as he is again. Such a brief taste of freedom is almost punishment.]

[jumpthegun]

Like I said, we've only got one data point. That's what happened for that patient. When I spoke with Eve about the idea, she said it might last for a couple weeks, perhaps.

The symptoms have returned to their previous severity, as far as I'm aware.

[equal_shots]

[Kid is quiet, thinking for a long few moments. The items he's dumped on the floor from his backpack and are now rearranging are the only sign that he's still on the line.]

Thank you for trying so hard to help, Dr. Watson.

[jumpthegun]

[Trying isn't actually doing, though. That's what the doctor takes from the extended silence and that comment.]

I'll see about matching you up with a donor along with Frisk, Kid. Take care of yourself for now, all right? And please remember to eat and take medicine.

[equal_shots]

Frisk first.

[It is a shame that Watson takes Kid's silence as a statement of inadequacy. Kid is more fearful of a transfusion that could've gone to someone else being given to him and not truly benefitting him. And he still doesn't feel quite worthy of the good doctor's help, not since Stein had cut out the man's eye and Kid could do nothing to stop him.

Kid takes a deep breath and chokes on it; the cough followed by wheezing is louder than the shuffling items near the tablet.]

I do eat. And take the medicine you prescribed. It has not really been working much. Now, it just makes me tired--it has not stopped the coughing very much. [He takes a slow breath, the quiet whistling wheeze of narrowed air passages still audible as he does so. Undertaker was right to call Watson when he did, even if Kid has stalled doing it himself.] And I think--when Professor Stein--I believe he broke at least my sternum. I thought the medicine you gave, for the swelling and pain--I thought that would be enough. It...just isn't helping anymore. I know I should have said something before, but I didn't want to bother you.

[Kid doesn't think Stein broke bone. He knows, because he'd heard the crunch of bone. But hey, he's admitting he'd screwed up. And he's embarassed. He's going to try to be subtle.]

[jumpthegun]

It's never a bother to me when you ask for help, Kid. [John sighs, trying to think of what to do.]

I can see about a stronger prescription for the cough syrup. We really need you to stop coughing for that to heal, Kid. I'm sorry. A cold compress on your chest might also help with some of the pain.

[equal_shots]

[Kid is here to make sure you feel useful, Watson.]

If you are sure... [He isn't. He isn't confident that he's not bothering Watson.]

It does not hurt too terribly. [Lie.] But I will try whatever you think will help. Whatever medicine you prescribe, I will take.

[jumpthegun]

[Yeah, he doesn't believe that, Kid.]

Okay. I'll put in for some higher grade cough syrup. Let me know if that's a wash, as well, once you've tried it for a few days.

[equal_shots]

...thank you. I will let you know how the medication works.

[jumpthegun]

All right. It's going to be another syrup you'll take every four hours, or as near to that, as possible. Don't take any more than six doses over the course of twenty-four hours, though.

I'll talk to you later, Kid. Take care.