The room was sparse, with a single bed in the center and a counter along one wall, lined with various medical supplies.
Liam walked over to the bed and sat down, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He was glad to be off his feet, and he was looking forward to getting his wounds treated. He lay back on the bed, wincing slightly as his injuries protested the movement.
As he waited for Obed to return, Liam took off his shirt, revealing the cuts and scrapes that crisscrossed his torso. He lay back on the bed, feeling a sense of vulnerability wash over him. He hated being injured, hated feeling weak and helpless.
But he knew that he had to get his wounds treated, and he was grateful to have Obed to take care of him. Obed was a skilled healer, and Liam trusted him implicitly. He closed his eyes, waiting for Obed to return and begin his treatment.
Liam waited patiently, his ears tuned to the sound of Obed's footsteps. He could hear the soft clinking of medical instruments and the rustle of fabric as Obed prepared for his treatment. Liam's eyes remained closed, but he was fully alert, ready for Obed to begin.
Obed entered the treatment room carrying the necessary materials on a tray. He placed the tray on the bedside table and informed Liam that he was about to begin the dressing process. Liam responded, "I know, you can start." Obed commenced the dressing procedure since Liam was already positioned on his stomach.
Obed wore his gloves to maintain sterility and first disinfected the wound. Following that, he cleaned the wound thoroughly. Next, he applied medication to promote healing. Finally, he bandaged the wound securely, with Liam wincing in discomfort from time to time.
Throughout the procedure, Obed remained focused on his work, disregarding Liam's evident pain. As a doctor, Obed's primary objective was to ensure his patient's recovery, and he prioritized this goal above all else. His professional demeanor and dedication to his craft enabled him to perform his duties efficiently and effectively, even in the face of his patient's discomfort.
Obed replied, "I'm done," while taking off his gloves, signaling the end of the treatment. Next time you come here with wounds like this, I wouldn't be the one to treat you, Obed emphasized, his tone firm but concerned. You'll have to find someone else to dress it for you, he added, looking at Liam with a serious expression.
You're not young anymore, Obed chided Liam, his voice taking on a slightly paternal tone. You need to learn to take care of yourself, he stressed, his eyes locked on Liam's. Liam listened intently, his face a mask of determination.
Liam got up from the bed, his movements slow and deliberate, and put his shirt on, wincing slightly as he lifted his arm. I hear you, he said finally, his voice low and even. I'll just not come at all, he added, his eyes flashing with a hint of defiance.
Obed's face darkened, his eyes narrowing in frustration. You !!!, he exclaimed, his voice rising in anger, the words hanging in the air like a challenge. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken emotions.
It's okay, I was just joking, Liam stated, attempting to reduce the tension in the air with a conciliatory tone. I'll take care of myself, he added, his words sincere, but also laced with a hint of apology. Liam knew he had unexpectedly offended his friend, and he regretted it.
Obed was the only friend Liam had in this place, and he didn't want to offend him anytime soon, not now, when he needed him the most. If he did, then he would really be alone, with no one to turn to. This thought sent a pang of anxiety through Liam's chest.
He turned to face Obed, and realized his friend's face was still dark, his expression foreboding. I'm sorry, I'll take care of myself, Liam said, his voice soft and contrite. Obed's expression improved slightly, although it was apparent he was still angry, but not to the point of refusing to listen to Liam.
Liam's apology seemed to have diffused some of the tension, but the air was still thick with unspoken emotions. Obed's eyes still held a hint of frustration, but his posture had relaxed slightly.
Thank you, Liam said, his voice sincere, but Obed just nodded curtly. You can leave, he said to Liam, his tone still slightly cool, before turning to leave, carrying his tray along. Obed knew Liam well enough to understand his behavior.
Liam didn't like seeking treatment when he was hurt, and Obed suspected that Liam's earlier comment was more than just a joke. Although Liam had said he wasn't serious, Obed knew him well enough to recognize that he had meant it, at least to some extent. That was why Obed was still angry, despite Liam's apology.
Liam finished putting on his shirt, taking his time, before following after Obed, but he took a different route because he was heading out of the infirmary.