The ointment, fetched by Madeleine for Howard Coleman, was an external balm to reduce scarring.
Howard's wound was on his shoulder. When he squeezed the ointment onto a cotton swab and reached out to apply it to his back, it seemed somewhat strenuous.
Madeleine advanced two steps and said softly, "Let me do it."
Howard paused, and after a while, he turned his head to look at Madeleine. His lips lightly pursed, he gave a small nod towards Madeleine before letting his arm, which had been reaching around his back, hang down.
Madeleine pulled out a tissue from the coffee table in front of the sofa to wipe her hands before taking the cotton swab from Howard.
Howard frequented the gym every week, his muscles firm and strong. His skin, freshly bathed, shone with a moist glow under the light.
Madeleine stared at Howard's back for a moment. Then, kneeling on the sofa, head bowed, she began to apply the ointment to Howard's shoulder with care and dedication.
