(no subject)

[percival]

Slowly. That describes everything he does these days. When he wakes up, he slowly stretches. If his limbs let him, that is. They are often rigid. It is as if they do not obey him anymore. They are lazy: every time he wills them to move, they refuse. The more angry he becomes, the more stubborn they get. He used to climb mountains with these hands. Now, all he can do on a good day is to persuade them to reach out and bring a glass of water to his lips.

Slowly.

He likes having good days, because that means he depends less on the nurses. Surly women they are; never smile, never stop to chat. Toss him over to change his sheets, while chattering to each other in their unintelligible patois.

Of course, he cannot smile at them, either. But they should know that this is because of his lips, which, like his hands, arms, or feet, refuse to function.

His face must be like a mask these days. And it used to be so mobile - he always used to be complimented on his charming smile. Oh, he had a way with the ladies. He was even said to be a little dangerous.

But these days are long gone now.

If these nurses only knew the kind of guy he used to be. They would see him in a whole new light. He used to hold his audience spellbound with his mountaineering stories. The day he stood on the summit of Everest. The day he rescued Reinhold Messner. The day he scratched a Yeti's back.

So he used to embellish all of these stories ever so slightly when he told them, but so what? They had always drawn the crowds.

Now, he draws nobody but the midges who come to suck his blood while he lies there, unable to even scratch himself.



This is actually a fic for an old key word.

*** *** ***

Tomorrow, it's BAX to WORX. I shall go early, so that I can leave early :P

Today, I am doing some more literature review work. And I met Katgalf and her Lucewise in the Elephant House. We talked surprisingly little Potter, and much RL - including an Encounter of the Hobbit-Kind. It was great to meet you, girls!

Comments

[aome.livejournal.com]

What was the keyword - 'slowly'? This is very striking, very bitter. Stroke victim?

[perceval.livejournal.com]

Yes, that was the keyword. And the neurologic disorder was made up, but inspired by Parkinsonism. I'm training for NaNoWriMo, actually. Want to join in? It's completely suicidal, of course, but most of the people in our little online group are pretty busy - it's just a way to get writing.

[aome.livejournal.com]

I think DID was my 'NaNoWriMo'. It ended up being only about half a NaNoWriMo length, but I *did* write it all in a month, like a fanatic, lol. I have never had an original fic idea in my life, and I don't think I'll ever be able to write a long-ish story ever again. But good luck with your preparations!

[pippins-babies.livejournal.com]

It was really lovely to meet you too! Apologies for being on the slightly sleepier side of knackered though... :o)

Take care. Lucewise x

[piperx.livejournal.com]

Oh wow, Percival, that was excellent! Very poignant and sad. I think your writing has really improved. It flowed nicely.

[perceval.livejournal.com]

::blushes::

are you on Y!M later today? I'm off to have some dinner, and will be BAX ...

[robertstheology.livejournal.com]

This was wonderful!
You are a marvelous writer.