Thirteenth Gate

[forsometimenow]

I can't do anything except continue to do my job and treat people. ... but if having my opinion of myself written all over my body makes anyone uncomfortable and they'd rather see someone else, I understand.

[There's a spot where her pen rests, then nothing more appears on the page. Jennifer has the mark of a large scar on the right side of her forehead, along with words/phrases like "Incompetent" "Doesn't belong" "Neglectful" "Never fitting in" visible all over her body.]

Comments

[atadiscoverer]

If you want to take a break at some point, I can take over. Mine's not too bad...

[If having Wraith markings all over your body isn't "too bad".]

[forsometimenow]

Appreciate it. I just need to stay away from mirrors in the meantime.

[atadiscoverer]

[Carson sighs.]

I thought we might get a wee break. Seems the castle is intent on mental as well as physical.

[forsometimenow]

Yeah. Not keen on having all of my insecurities written all over me- literally.

[atadiscoverer]

I'm just glad it didn't actually turn me into a Wraith.

[gottaknockhard]

... [This is really getting out of hand if it's even going after the doctors.]

I guess you guys are probably getting hit hard.

Dictated

[princelyspirit]

I don't think anyone has room to judge right now. I mean, it sounds like the castle hit everybody pretty hard, right? So, if some words set them off, well... let's just hope they don't have to see anyone else today, either.

[forsometimenow]

You have a good point. I've seen a lot of people that have... well. They have it worse than I do.

[forsometimenow]

Seems like it. Guess we have no choice but to keep powering through it.

[forsometimenow]

Yeah, that... that wouldn't be good.

[princelyspirit]

Same here. I'm not saying that it's a contest or anything, but- I guess what I mean is, we're all stuck in this together. It's not like anyone can judge when the castle's messing with them too.

[atadiscoverer]

I'm surprised it hasn't happened before now.

[gottaknockhard]

No choice, huh?

[forsometimenow]

You know, that's a good point. I guess it's saving up the worst for the most inopportune time.

[forsometimenow]

It doesn't seem to wash off. I can't hide the words with my clothing, either- it seeps through, clear as day.

[forsometimenow]

Yeah, isn't that the truth? Seems like everyone's got at least one skeleton in their closet, no matter how big or small. I'd prefer to not air my insecurities when there are patients depending on me, but, well... I need to put them above my feelings, too.

[gottaknockhard]

Nobody would blame you for taking a few days off.

[forsometimenow]

I have patients who still need care.

[gottaknockhard]

I had a feeling you'd say that.

[forsometimenow]

I don't think I could walk away if I tried, believe me.

[gottaknockhard]

That's the trouble with having too much of a conscience.

[forsometimenow]

Isn't it just? It comes with the territory of being a doctor, too- no matter how I feel, my patients have to come first.

[gottaknockhard]

I guess that's what they pay you for.

[Joking. He knows that the clinic in the castle is all volunteer work. Which makes it even more surprising that it's one of the few places that is always staffed.]