My posting each day seems to have broken slightly - hope you don't mind too much? And thank you, as always, for the great reviews! Please do continue!

POISONING THE WELL - WORDS

I will follow that method of treatment which, according to my ability and judgement, I consider for the benefit of the patient, and abstain from whatever is harmful…
~ The Hippocratic oath

Life ebbs beneath your hands.

"Perna," you half-beg, but there's no hope, none at all, and she knows it better than you. Knew before she took the drug, even.

"Carson," she whispers, and smiles slightly, and it's the smile which breaks your heart, shatters it like glass, because you're supposed to prevent death, not cause it. Even if people choose their own fate.

"Perna."

Her lips taste of antiseptic, and her skin is already cold. Salt tears on both your cheeks.

Primum non nocere. More than words, Perna.

You hold her as she struggles to

breathe

just
one
more
time…