PROMPT : EXACT
“Healing is an exact science,” Master Healer Kevin said. He wrote the sentence across the top of the sketch board. “Write that down. Memorize it. Recite it. Do not ever forget it.”
The students began to shuffle and fidget as they pulled out tablets and writing utensils to copy down the new wisdom.
“As a Healer, you hold the life of your patient in your hands. Becoming emotionally attached can compromise your natural healing ability and result in dozens of potentially fatal errors. Misdiagnosis, incorrect treatments and failure to correctly administer a site healing are all contributing factors to death. If you cannot properly treat and attend to your patient then you have no business with them in the first place. Knowing to remove yourself from the situation and any distracting emotions may be the difference between life and death. Remember that as well.”
A slender young woman in the back of the class stood, gathering her things with her. She took her time in making her way to the front and paused in front of his broad desk.
Narrowed eyes pinned her to the floor as Master Healer and student locked themselves in a silent battle of wills.
The student bent first, bowing formally as she placed the class ID atop the desk. “If you will excuse me, Master Healer, but I do not believe that your class will be of any help to me whatsoever. To save us both the headache, I excuse myself from class and reapply these credits to an approved extracurricular activity.”
“Once enrolled in this class, Miss—?”
“Pietra,” she said, smiling faintly. “I am Master Healer Saffron’s daughter. The Aggression healer. I’m afraid I cannot follow your idea of remaining unattached to any and all patients that come across my path. It may make it easier to deal with it during stressful times, but if I do not engage with them, then my healings do not stick. I am sure you would agree with me that having them last is a necessary thing. Good day.”
(c) S. Harricharan