He helps you to understand, he does everything he can, Doctor Robert

[caretocure.livejournal.com]

*The house is kept cooled to ensure Bernadette is a comfortable temperature while her husband is away at work, but with the thick August sunlight shining though the windows there's a pleasant warmth and stillness to the room that Healer Roderick Southwell enjoys. He finds this modern muggle home a welcome vacation from the bright white professionalism of St. Mungo's halls that he walks through daily. As much as he loves the hospital, there is nothing as valuable to him as home visits, practising medicine directly to his patients without the bustling environment to worry about.

Being here at the Crouches does, however, also remind him of a rather curious event in a previous call he had made, an encounter with his patient's son. His conversation with Barty Jr. has been on his mind off and on since it happened, and though it is Bernadette he has been treating for years, he can't help but be intrigued by her son with his peculiar way of speak and his dangerous pastimes.

He takes a seat near Bernadette's bed and smiles as he settles into his chair. Her health is his primary concern, but the well-being of her family should not be forgotten.*


Now, how are you feeling today, Bernadette?

Comments

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

*Perched on her bed with far too many potion bottles crowding the night stand, Bernadette looks almost out of place. Perhaps it's a symptom of living in a family of appearances, pride and denial, or perhaps it's merely Bernadette's way of feeling less fragile - in any case, she's fully dressed, long hair pinned up elaborately.

The lie comes out of her mouth before she can stop it, she's said it so often to her husband and son that it's almost second-nature, after all.*

Very well, thank you.

[caretocure.livejournal.com]

Splendid, so there's been some improvement with your joint pain since we started your new medication?

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

Yes. Vast improvements.

*Her pale fingers readjust their hold on her immaculately kept copy of Walt Whitman poetry. She's as skilful at looking earnest as her son. The selectiveness of her optimism well concealed.*

[caretocure.livejournal.com]

I'll continue your prescription, then. No need to take it daily, but, whenever anything acts up.

Just to be safe let's take some vitals today, make sure there aren't any side effects. Ah- left arm, if you please.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

*She surrenders it, pensively considering the sticky remnants of a price sticker - the only visible damage to her book.*

How is Sidney? I fear it slipped my mind entirely to ask during your last visit.

[caretocure.livejournal.com]

Oh very well, very well indeed.

*Securing a thin tube along the length of her arm with four small suction cups at various pulse points, Roderick twists a gauge knob at the end of it and watches the numbers that click by as it measures Bernadette's blood pressure and pulse.*

Her youngest is learning to ride a broom, and she's not too comfortable with the matter! But, she has a Healer to call if anything were to go awry. Most children learn quite safely, though, after all.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

I remember Barty's first broom. It was...quite the experience.

[caretocure.livejournal.com]

I seem to recall you mentioning him making his House Quidditch team at some point, am I right? He must have taken to it eventually.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

Oh no, he's always been a wonderful flier. Mastered it quite early. And really, I'm no expert, but I must confess Beater was a very...fitting position.

[caretocure.livejournal.com]

Ah Beaters - in my day they were always quite strapping. Your vitals are very good today, too, must be this lovely sun we've had.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

I was worried of that very thing at first - that he'd be hurt - but he assured me, as he put it, that he was "perfectly moulded."

*A slight smile crosses Bernadette's lips, her son's strange analogies and grandiose words more endearing to her then worrying.*

[caretocure.livejournal.com]

*Taking a small book from his inside pocket, he carries on speaking as he records Bernadette's numbers.*

Well no child wants to think he's not strong enough. Your boy has quite a way with words.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

He takes after his father quite a bit more than he'll admit.

[caretocure.livejournal.com]

A brilliant speaker, why I've seen people stop in shops for his wireless broadcasts. But has young Barty always been quite so lyrical?

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

Oh yes. He's been talking since before he could speak.

[caretocure.livejournal.com]

He seems very creative.

*He detaches the tubing and rolls it to return it to his bag.*

Will he be living here with you this year now that he's finished his schooling? Everything I've heard says he's a very devoted son.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

Not...quite. My husband was very insistent that he should take on adult responsibilities.

[caretocure.livejournal.com]

I see! I'm sure he knows best, my father was the same. Of course that was years ago.

I spoke to your son not long ago, in the hall, actually, after one of our appointments. I believe looking for a job.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

*She speaks carefully, hesitating and picking her words.*


That was a very passionate week.

[caretocure.livejournal.com]

Was that the reason for the bedroom renovation he was up to?

Any new bruising, swelling, pain?