Take Them All Off

"Yes." The female doctor loosened Lucille's collar, slipping her pajama down to her shoulders to remove the bandages and change the dressing. The wound on Lucille's shoulder was not complicated to treat. It did not require her to undress completely, making the awkward issue of exposure irrelevant. After the wound was taken care of, the female doctor left the room and gently closed the door behind her. Lacking the energy for a verbal spar, Lucille leaned back in her bed, resting with her eyes closed. Frank approached her at that moment, reaching out to adjust her clothes. Lucille instantly raised her head, her eyes filled with alertness. "What are you trying to do?" Frank soothed her with a low voice, "Stay still. Don't move." Lucille remained silent for a moment. Just as Lucille was about to retort, a cool medicated cream was applied on her wound. Frank was tender yet meticulous, informing her, "This is for your scars." "I remember you were most terrified of leaving scars when you were