#Caretaking

[mj-iza-writer]

Warning: Eye Whump and Amputation mentions. Sorry I forgot this before.

Whumpee jumped when their cell door opened.

"M-may I ask who is coming in?", Whumpee whispered. A blindfold had been tied to their head from a recent eye removal surgery to help stop on infection from spreading.

"It's Dr. Yeld and two guards. Whumper would like to run some tests, so we are taking you to the lab. I need to ask the typical questions", Whumpee felt the scientist pat their head, "are you ready?"

"Yes sir", Whumpee nodded.

"To begin with... How does your head and eye sockets feel?", Whumpee allowed the guards to begin shackling them.

"They ache a little and feel crusty and itchy", Whumpee whispered hoarsely, "I think the blindfold is stuck to the crust, I tried hard not to touch it, like you said."

"Okay I'll make a note to change that for you", Dr. Yeld wrote a small note, "why do you sound so hoarse? Do you feel sick?"

"I-I couldn't find my water, I felt around a little in here, but I think it's missing", Whumpee frowned.

Dr. Yeld looked around, "you're right, I'm sorry that happened. We'll get some water before the test."

Whumpee nodded, "please and thankyou."

The last few questions were asked and answered satisfactorily.

Whumpee allowed the guards to lead them to the lab.

"Dr. Yeld", Whumpee whispered as the guards strapped them in, "I'm scared."

"It's okay Whumpee, Whumper said it's going to be minor tests today. Nothing big. I think they want to see how you're healing as well."

Whumpee nodded, "okay, may I have water?"

"Yes of course. I'll be right back", Dr. Yeld stepped away.

Whumpee felt a part of their back start to itch.

"May I have help?", Whumpee requested to anyone listening.

After a minute, Whumpee realized they may have been alone or people around were too busy to help the lab rat.

Whumpee was strapped down onto the metal slab table in a vertical position.

They started to wriggle around in an attempt at scratching their back.

Suddenly, Whumpee's hands slipped through the straps, and they fell to the floor. Their feet tangled into the straps and twisted opposite their natural direction. They hit the floor with a thud.

"Ah, ah, oww", Whumpee cried out, only drowned out by an alarm.

Whumpee heard guards running to them, but they were preoccupied by the shooting pains running up and down their legs.

"He-help, help.... help me please", Whumpee cried out.

Whumpee winced as the guards lifted them up. Their legs were unstrapped and they were laid on the ground.

"What the hell is going on in here?", Whumper's voice could be heard above the alarm.

"The test subject attempted to escape", one of the guards announced.

Whumpee's head shot up quickly, "n-no I didn't."

Whumpee heard someone approach, dress shoes clank against the tile floor.

Whumper knelt down and placed two fingers under Whumpee's chin to lift their face, "then why are the alarms going off? Why are you on the ground Whumpee", Whumper questioned.

"M-my back was itchy, and no one was available to help me. I was wriggling around on the table to try to itch it. Then I fell", Whumpee winced, "m-my legs hurt."

Whumper reached another hand up and patted Whumpee's head, "so my little rat wasn't trying to run."

"No Master, where would I go?", Whumpee whispered.

Whumper chuckled, "good point Whumpee", Whumper stood, "Dr. Yeld, please check Whumpee's legs, and let's see what happened. Today's test will be rescheduled for now."

"I'm sorry Master", Whumpee felt someone starting to pick them up.

"It's okay Whumpee, let's get your legs taken care of. Then I'll check your eyes", Whumper sighed, "I may have to talk to my staff and see why you aren't being taken care of."

"I'm a rat Master, that's why", Whumpee sighed.

"You are... but you are my lab rat, and I expect my staff to take care of you", Whumper frowned.

Whumpee now lay on the metal table again.

"Don't move Whumpee, we're scanning your legs", Dr. Yeld ordered.

"Yes sir, ma-may I have water after this", Whumpee pleaded.

"Oh geesh, Whumpee I'm sorry", Dr Yeld frowned, "just two seconds and done."

Whumpee felt a straw press in between their lips. They quickly drank.

"Careful Whumpee, you're going to ch..", Whumper was interrupted when Whumpee started to choke, "see."

"I'm sorry.... thirsty", Whumpee struggled to catch their breath.

"I don't see any breaks, but you more than likely sprained both legs", Whumper frowned, "you did a number on yourself. See these strains here."

"I didn't mean to, I don't know how I fell. I think my hands slipped", Whumpee whispered.

Whumper stepped over to the table Whumpee lay on and looked it over.

"Try to slip your hands back into the straps", Whumper ordered.

Whumpee quickly did as they were told.

"Someone didn't do a good job strapping you in", Whumper frowned as they watched Whumpee's hand go into the strap with minimal struggle, "who were the guards who helped you bring Whumpee. I need to have a chat with them."

Whumpee shook, "please don't kill them Master."

"I won't kill them, but they may find themselves fired from this lab", Whumper sighed, "I don't like when my little rat gets injured by someone else, especially when it messes my plans up."

Whumpee felt someone sitting them up. They allowed their body to bend to the persons will.

"Let's put them in a soft cast for now. Revisit an x-ray and muscle scan in a week or so. Whumpee, let us know if you have any strange pain, just like normal", Whumper started to leave.

"Master?", Whumpee whispered.

Whumper stopped and turned, "yes Whumpee."

Whumpee shyly fiddled with their fingers, "may I, uhm, may I go outside today?", they kept their head lowered.

"Whumpee it's cold out right now, plus you'll have cast on your legs", Whumper walked back to the table, "I forgot to check your eye sockets."

Whumpee felt Whumper lift their head, and start removing the blindfold.

Whumpee whimpered a little as the cloth was gently pulled from the wound.

"I don't like that it's sticking to the wound sight", Whumper frowned as they took a closer look, "Whumpee I will allow you to pick something fun though, you have had a harder week then we normally give you."

"May I have chicken nuggets for lunch", Whumpee asked excitedly.

"You know what, you absolutely can", Whumper chuckled, "how about I order you chicken nuggets, fries, a dessert, and you can even have soda pop today", Whumper rubbed Whumpee's cheek gently, "how does that sound."

Whumpee melted into the touch, "that sounds yummy", Whumpee moaned tiredly.

"Is my lab rat sleepy?", Whumper chuckled.

"Yes Master, it's difficult to sleep now", Whumpee yawned.

"Hmm", Whumper hummed.

Dr. Yeld set to work wrapping the bandages on Whumpee's legs, "please Whumpee try your hardest not to walk on your legs. They definitely need some rest, you don't want to stress them", Dr. Yeld watch Whumpee nod.

Whumpee reached their hand up to touch where their eyes where.

"Ah ah", Dr. Yeld warned, making Whumpee jump, "don't touch there. That is still fresh, you could cause another infection."

"I'm sorry, it's just weird. It's not even pitch black like you'd think. It's nothingness", Whumpee explained, as they tried to touch the area again."

"Don't touch Whumpee", Dr. Yeld grabbed Whumpee's hand and pulled it away, "I don't want to straightjacket you."

Whumpee nodded, "I'm sorry."

Whumpee heard Dr. Yeld step away.

They sat quietly and listened to the multitude of sounds in the lab.

Suddenly Whumpee felt someone stop in front of them. They were handed a bag and a cup, then the person seemed to climb up on the metal table and sat beside Whumpee.

Whumpee felt confused.

"I-I'm sorry.... who's their? A-and what's this", Whumpee shook.

"As promised, your chicken nuggets, fries, and drink. I have your desert chilling in the freezer for when you want it", Whumper's voice sounded as though they were smiling.

Whumpee quickly opened the bag and pulled out a handful of fries.

"Thankyou Master, I appreciate this gift", they grinned before stuffing their mouth.

"You're welcome Whumpee", Whumper chuckled.

Whumper studied Whumpee while they ate, "I see Doc bandaged your legs."

"Yes Master", Whumpee nodded, "they said not to use them as much as possible."

Whumpee reached up absent mindedly and scratched around the wound on their eye.

"Whumpee... don't touch your eyes", Whumper tried to pull the hand down but was too late.

Whumpee screamed in pain as Dr. Yeld hurried over.

"What happened?", Dr. Yeld pulled Whumpee to lay down.

"It stings", Whumpee cried. Tears started to come out of Whumpee's eye sockets.

"I bet you they bothered it, but got salt on the wound from the fries", Whumper held Whumpee's hands down so they wouldn't do it again or fight Dr. Yeld from disinfecting the wounds."

"Ow", Whumpee screamed, "it hurts."

"I know Whumpee, I wasn't quick enough to stop you", Whumper frowned, "when Doc gets you cleaned up we will put an eye cover on you, I found a better one that hopefully won't stick."

Whumpee shook violently as they were cleaned up.

"Let's place Whumpee in their cell. Let's do a straightjacket for right now", Whumper started to let go. I'll go in and finish feeding them. Then they can have their dessert and I'll put the new eye cover on them, it needs to get cleaned before they wear it."

"Please no straightjacket", Whumpee pleaded.

"I'm sorry Whumpee, it's for your own good", Whumper turned and walked away.

Whumpee sobbed as the straightjacket was buckled, "I'll be good", they pleaded, "please I don't want this."

"I'm sorry Whumpee. You keep touching your eyes. If you keep doing that, they won't heal", Dr Yeld patted their shoulder, "I know you don't like this fact, but you really don't get a choice on the matter."

Whumpee fell quiet except for their sobbing.

Dr. Yeld frowned when he realized what he said, "Whumpee I-I'm sorry.... I."

"Why did I lose my eyes.... was it your fault?", Whumpee shuddered, "because I didn't get a choice."

"I-I don't know why that infection happened, we had to remove the eyes though, it would have spread, and could have killed you."

"What life d-do I have anyway... I'm just a measly lab rat", Whumpee sobbed as they were lifted from the metal table and placed in a wheelchair.

"I didn't even get to eat all of my special treat either", Whumpee cried a little louder.

Dr. Yeld felt guilt crawl up his throat and leave a knot, "I'm sorry Whumpee, but Whumper did say he would go to your cell and help feed you the rest of your meal. You even get a desert, isn't that exciting?", Dr Yeld reached for the cup of soda, "here have a drink of your soda", Dr Yeld held the straw for Whumpee to drink.

Tears continued from small gaps while Whumpee drank a few sips. Their breathing was labored.

"Why am I still able to cry without my eyes?", Whumpee asked while they were wheeled through the hall.

Dr. Yeld was deep in guilty thought on how to make this up for Whumpee.

"Dr. Yeld? I thought he came with us", Whumpee sighed.

"I'm sorry Whumpee, I was just wondering how to make this up to you", Dr. Yeld walked beside the chair, "what was your question?"

"Why am I able to cry without my eyes?", Whumpee asked again.

"We were able to leave your tear ducts in tact", Dr. Yeld smiled, "you still have the ability to produce tears and cry."

"Oh", Whumpee kept their head down.

Whumpee was laid on their mattress in their cell.

They rolled over and tried to sit up.

"Ugh", Whumpee sighed as they fell back down, "I can't see. I can't walk. I can't use my arms."

The cell door opened again, and closed.

"I heard you were pretty upset", Whumper talked from the entrance, "Dr. Yeld and a few other scientists and guards felt bad."

"I'm sorry Master, I didn't mean to say all of those mean things", Whumpee tried to sit up but fell back again.

"I know Whumpee, you're having a hard time settling in again. You've had a busy week, and today didn't help with your legs getting injured", Whumper stepped over and knelt by the mattress. They lifted Whumpee so they could sit up.

"Thankyou Master", Whumpee sighed in relief.

"Alright I'm sitting down next to you, let's finish your lunch", Whumper plopped down on the mattress, "let's see how you feel after this. You can have the dessert later if you're not hungry."

Whumpee nodded, "may I have another drink please?"

"Of course. You are doing so well with your manners", Whumper held the cup for them, "I'm very proud of you."

"Thankyou master", Whumpee squirmed excitedly.

"You're welcome, it looks like you have a few more nuggets. I think your fries were all gone before the eye accident", Whumper held a nugget to Whumpee's lip.

"If you don't feel like dessert I have a packet of gummies you can have instead. Maybe we can go that route, have your dessert later tonight", Whumper grinned.

"Yes Master", Whumpee agreed.

"Alright that was your last nugget", Whumper chuckled, "how was your lunch.... is it what you wanted?"

"Yes Master", Whumpee smiled, "thankyou."

"Here are the gummies", Whumper fiddled with a packet, "I have a few sour ones as a treat. Your face is funny when you eat sour candies."

Whumpee smiled, "thankyou."

Whumper started to put the candies one by one in Whumpee's mouth.

Whumpee made a face, "that one is really sour", they gasped.

Whumper chuckled, "I know."

Whumpee felt tired after a few minutes.

"Master I'm sleepy", Whumpee interrupted Whumper from their rambling.

"I know Whumpee", Whumper sighed, "I slipped you a gummy to help you go to sleep."

Whumpee struggled to get away from Whumper.

"No, no... none of that", Whumper held them down, "you can't use your legs right now. Earlier you said you were having trouble sleeping, I can't have you being tired unless I'm testing something that requires you to be tired."

Whumpee sobbed as Whumper pulled them to lay down. Their head now rested on Whumper's lap.

"It's just a light drug, I need you to sleep", Whumper rubbed Whumpee's head, "you'll wake up in a few hours. I'll let you have your dessert then."

Whumpee heard the door open.

"Ah, Dr. Yeld, you brought the eye cover", Whumper grinned.

Dr. Yeld looked at Whumpee sadly then handed the cover to Whumper.

"These are nice, and padded. They should lay on your skin nicely and not get stuck to the wound.

Whumper lifted Whumpee's almost limp body and slid the covers on their head and over their eyes.

"There we go", Whumper adjusted the tightness.

After a few minutes of hearing Whumpee's snores. Whumper rested Whumpee on their pillow and covered them up.

"I-I didn't know you were serious about drugging them", Dr. Yeld watched Whumper as they stood.

"They need to sleep, it is harder for blind people to sleep sometimes. They are getting use to this new life", Whumper sighed, "I wasn't acting out of anger and meanness. I truly need them to sleep. I do care for my lab rat. Though I know I have a weird way of showing it."

"I said something to them though, I wanted to apologize", Dr. Yeld frowned and watched Whumpee's steady breathing.

"Oh I heard what you said. I was quite amused actually", Whumper laughed, "I guess you will need to wait until they wake up."

Dr. Yeld made an angry face at Whumper.

"Will you ever tell them you're the reason they got that infection? You're the reason they lost their sight.", Dr. Yeld crossed their arms.

"No, and neither will you. You've done some horrid test on them yourself, remember. If you say anything, I will kill you."

Whumper walked past Dr. Yeld as they exited the room, "remember our agreement and your place in this lab."

"Yes Master", Dr. Yeld cowarded away and looked back at Whumpee.

"Come along", Whumper stood by the door, "we have plenty of things to do."

Taglist. As always please let me know if you want to be added or taken off of the list. It's not a problem at all. @villainsandheroes @the-beasts-have-arrived @sacredwrath @porschethemermaid @monarchthefirst @generic-whumperz @bloodyandfrightened @freefallingup13 @notpeppermint @cyborg0109 @idontreallyexistyet @thebejeweledwatercat @painfulplots @whumpbump @everythingsscary @skittles-the-whumpee @expressionless-fr @theforeverdyingperson @legendarydelusiongoatee @candleshopmenace @whumpanthems @lavndvrr @ivymyers @starfields08000 @a-living-canvas

[bingothedingo666]

When your snusband is feeling under the weather so you go full spa-mode

I love the HC that Crowley turns snakey when he's ill or in pain. Luckily he has an angel to take care of him ☺️.

Click to full size for better image quality, Tumblr deep fried the thumbnails.

[jordanstrophe]

Whumpee awakens curled in the backseat in someone's arms.

They look down, their entire torso is drenched with blood.

They start to panic, but someone holds them tightly. "Shhh, shh sh, it's okay, go back to sleep. Close your eyes." Someone grabs a blanket and covers their chest with it.

"You're going to be fine, I got you. Go back to sleep... Please."

A hand brushes over their face and closes their eyes. Whumpee finds themselves doing what the voice tells them to.

[chiharuuu22]

Shhhh! Keep your voice down and don't be loud. Whumpee is sleeping (or has just fallen asleep).

In Caretaker's arms after being rescued.

In a hospital bed in a recovery ward (or perhaps an ICU) after receiving care and treatment or perhaps emergency surgery.

On a bed in a room in a recovery house. Bonus points for the house are that the house belongs to the Caretaker and the bed BELONGS TO CARETAKER (AND CARETAKER'S BEDROOM)!!!!

In the passenger seat. Sleep on your back in the back seat or sleep in a half-sitting position after the seat is lowered slightly on the driver's side seat. Bonus points Caretaker puts on the jacket or coat to cover Whumpee.

On the sofa in front of the fireplace.

In a wheelchair while taking a leisurely walk.

On the couch on the terrace.

On the Caretaker's lap. Bonus points with the accompaniment of Caretaker's soft voice lulling Whumpee to sleep and caressing Whumpee's hair.

Sleep leaning on the Caretaker's shoulder when sitting side by side. Bonus points when they are in a discussion with the team members and Whumpee suddenly falls asleep exhausted.

Anything you want to add?

[guiltyidealist]

Latest hobby: radical self-acceptance codependency affirmations

I like to use over-the-top edgy imagery to invoke the ~emo~ sentiments we associate with edge, juxtaposing the aggressively self-loving text. accentuates the punk nature of radical acceptance

[whumpster-dumpster]

100 Ways to say "I Care"

See the original 100 Ways to say "I Love You" list here: [x] I was inspired to make one of my own for caretaking themes 💕

"I'm here."

"Stay still."

"Trust me."

"You're safe."

"I've got you."

"I don't mind."

"I'm not mad."

"Lean on me."

"I understand."

"It's no bother."

"I'll clean it up."

"Take my coat."

"Need a hand?"

"Are you okay?"

"I'll handle this."

"Happy to help."

"Get some rest."

"Can I hug you?"

"I'll get the light."

"I can't lose you."

"Shh, don't cry..."

"My door's open."

"Take small sips."

"Stay behind me."

"I'll walk with you."

"Feel better soon."

"You're not alone."

"How'd you sleep?"

"I just want to help."

"I've got your back."

"Please be careful."

"It wasn't your fault."

"I'm a good listener."

"Let me help you up."

"When I say run, run."

"I'm glad you're okay."

"You're not a burden."

"I made your favorite."

"I'll see what I can do."

"How are you feeling?"

"We'll get through this."

"That's it, just let it out."

"I'm worried about you."

"I'll start a bath for you."

"I'm coming right back."

"I can stay up with you."

"I wish you had told me."

"It's okay to not be okay."

"Your health comes first."

"You need a ride home?"

"Sit tight, I'm on my way."

"I'm not here to hurt you."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Just looking out for you."

"I'm sorry, I know it hurts."

"Let me worry about that."

"Stay as long as you want."

"I'll take care of everything."

"It's fine, I'll take the couch."

"I came as soon as I heard."

"You really gave us a scare."

"I'm not leaving you behind."

"I'm never too busy for you."

"I'll stay until you fall asleep."

"You don't have to apologize."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"It's okay, it was just a dream."

"You ready to eat something?"

"Don't strain yourself, I'll get it."

"I've missed seeing you smile."

"Do you need another blanket?"

"You didn't deserve any of this."

"Follow my breathing. In...out..."

"Don't scare me like that again."

"I'll wake you in a couple hours."

"It's really me. I'm here, I'm real."

"I won't let them near you again."

"You first, I'll be right behind you."

"Do you want me to go with you?"

"I know I don't have to. I want to."

"You can hold my hand if it helps."

"I've got your next round of meds."

"Let me put on some fresh sheets."

"It's good to see you up and about."

"I'm with you every step of the way."

"I'll be outside if you need anything."

"Hey, you're supposed to be resting."

"You're the strongest person I know."

"Is there anyone you want me to call?"

"If you're not up for this, let me know."

"It's nothing to be embarrassed about."

"I just hate to see you hurting like this."

"Tell me what you need most right now."

"I called off work. You've got me all day."

"You've got my emergency contact info."

"I know you. You don't seem like yourself."

"I have a change of clothes ready for you."

"I'm so proud of you, and how far you've come."

"Call me if you need me. I don't care how late it is."

"They want to get to you, they'll have to go through me."

[headspace-hotel]

some times i see people talking about the Earth and climate change saying things like "now i know it is difficult to deal with utter hopelessness, terror, and visiting the thoughts of death"

and it's like wow I am so deeply sorry about the suffering. but...concern. Concern. Tell me, am I missing something important? Why do I feel a sense of hope for our planet? Am I a lonely fool? Have I been consumed by naïveté and misguided optimism?

That would be weird. It feels weird. It feels like I would be well suited to despair. My natural temperament is Mortal Terror making my body crushed for a thousand years at the bottom of the deepest trenches of the ocean. I've thought before "I can't live any more. This exceeds the tensile strength of the human spirit."

And then? After irreversible catastrophic failure of the soul, there is...what?

We try to imagine the future where we fight to save our home and it is very painful. The resistance feels so small and the machine of death feels so vast. But something's missing.

Everyone else is missing—the plants, trees, bugs, beasts, and creatures. Hello? Are the other humans seeing this? Nature wants you to know that she is not a princess in a tower. Look! Look at the chaos moving through every cell! Iterating! Adapting! Becoming! Thriving! Watch the pollinators tirelessly at work, observe the mycorrhizal network in the forest floor distributing the rich fruits of decay and photosynthesis for every inhabitant! Pay attention! We belong here too. They feed and shelter us, give us the very air we breathe, and in return we plant and propagate, cull, thin, and burn, shape, trample, till, shepherd and sprout seeds. Our species can look toward the future, to the world of our descendants. We can call every plant and animal by name and teach our children to use and care for them responsibly. We can feel this anger, pain, and grief on behalf of the family of Life, OUR family, and we can love the smallest beetle and the humblest moss.

Look at it! This thing is nothing like me, it does not benefit me, it has no use or purpose for me, but LOOK at it! Look at its intricate structure! Look at the marvelousness of its behaviors and biological functions! Look at its uniqueness throughout the whole universe! Look at it, and see its infinite value!

I saved a baby tree from the scorching hot gravel of a parking lot. I watched it grow and thrive in the hands of its caretaker. Many more followed, trees and herbs and flowers, rescued and carefully placed in cups and old tubs that once held yogurt and sour cream. This is so strange, I thought. They're everywhere, offering themselves for free, and no one thinks to take them. Everyone thinks transplanting a tree is hard and that nothing grows on the edge of the pavement but weeds. But it's so easy??? This is weird. Plant Nurseries Hate Her: Get Free Plants With This One Weird Trick.

I protected an old barren garden patch where nothing had thrived from being mowed and weed-whacked, and transplanted little plants that I found. I marveled at the bees that came. Chicory bloomed, then asters and goldenrod. I shed actual tears over a spicebush swallowtail. I ordered some milkweed from the internet, and the monarchs came for them. Less then twenty-five bucks for a divine experience like this. Wow, everyone else really needs to know!

I started volunteering at a nature center, and was allowed to transplant flowers where they sprouted in inopportune locations. I collected tons of seeds all fall and winter long.

There is much, much more, all of it bigger than I ever would have imagined. But this spring there were more birds, in number and in species, than I'd ever seen in my back yard before. Chickadees, swallows, finches, nuthatches, jays, cardinals, warblers, sparrows, woodpeckers of every kind...I remembered just a couple years prior when all I ever saw out there was a couple grackles or starlings or robins, with the occasional sparrow. Those birds come in flocks rather than couples now. And then the bumblebee arrived. An American bumblebee, endangered now, a queen. For a few days she was always out there, would fly out and buzz around me when I came out to tend to my now-innumerable plants. It's nesting time for them. She chose this place I was creating. She saw that this place would take care of her.

A week ago, I discovered wild strawberries growing in my Mamaw's driveway. I found lyreleaf sage growing beside a gravel road. I've become a master of transplanting; I took several of each home. Yesterday, I saw a tiny, metallic blue bee, an Osmia mason bee. Today, I saw an oriole and a strange, very fancy fly. I see something new almost every day. Every day I am being irreversibly changed as a person. How did I ever fail to see how much this matters?

I said I feel hope...do I feel it? I don't think it's a feeling, I think it's a practice. It's being part of our communities and our ecosystems. Nature's interconnectedness is both reality and example: to survive, we take care of one another. And when one member of the community helps another thrive, it creates a cascade that increases the thriving of all. Just by existing, you help us all survive.

You can only take care of so many plants before you have to give some away. You can only hold so much knowledge before you have to give it away. I gave seeds to a dozen different flowers to my next-door neighbor and she invited me inside and wouldn't let me leave without food, and we talked about plants and trees. A family friend lets me have goats' milk and heirloom vegetables in exchange for help around the farm, and I listen to him talk about trees, bugs, and soil and learn so much I feel like I'm about to explode from knowledge.

Being a caretaker is unavoidably a community-oriented, community-forming thing. You can't grow plants all by yourself. Your garden will make too many tomatoes. Share them. Your milkweed will make hundreds and hundreds of seeds. Spread them. Wild blackberries invite you to take and eat. Your lonely retired neighbor invites you to talk and keep her company. Once you grow delicious fruits or little oak trees, you always have a reason to greet someone and say, "Look, it is a gift!"

We're not alone. We are not separate. We take care of each other. Every species, every individual. A single action of caretaking creates a cascade effect of thriving. A single unapologetic love for a creature creates a blossom of curiosity and fascination in everyone surrounding. It's so powerful.

As my chemical romance says "I am not afraid to keep on living"

[spinzolliii]

God, I love sickfics that cut between a Whumpee’s current illness, and illnesses they’ve had in the past. Before, being sick was traumatic and lonely. Maybe they were neglected or even ostracized for their illness. In the present day, they don’t know how to handle being loved.

[squintingcats]

“I’m sorry. I have to do this, okay?”

Said by Caretaker before:

Lowering Whumpee into a cold bath for their dangerously high fever

Lowering Whumpee into a lukewarm bath for their dangerously severe hypothermia (it feels boiling to them)

Doing stitches, cleaning and dressing a wound, etc.

Cauterization

Forcing them to eat/drink something after an extended period of illness and/or starvation

Resetting a broken bone

Field surgery

Dragging their ass to an actual hospital

Dragging their ass to an actual therapist

Restraining them during a violent (as in, physically harmful) flashback or nightmare

Inducing vomiting when the Whumpee clearly needs to, but can’t

Uncomfortable medicine (bad-tasting, syringes, aerosolized medicine through a weird mask, etc.)

Moving a Whumpee who’s in a particularly bad state

Tell me more.

[marvel-ous-whump]

aftermath of statue curses

Let's be honest. We all love a good "Turned to stone" or "Turned to ice" curse right? The angst of a caretaker finding a whumpee like that is just *Chef's Kiss* so good. But we're really snoozing on the aftermath. of what happens to poor Whumpee when the curse is broken. Seriously;

Atrophy or weakness of the muscles.

Gravel Rash everywhere. (for the stone curse)

Frostbite EVERYWHERE (for an Ice curse)

frequently recurring chills (both, Stone is still cold y'all.)

incredible disorientation or dizziness.

coming out of the statue starved and dehydrated.

Whumpee collapses into Caretaker's arms the minute the curse is broken.

Coughing up particles of whatever they were encased in.

Whumpee is desperate for the Caretaker not to leave them, ever. Especially if they were somewhat conscious inside the statue

[whispers-whump]

love a good forehead fever check as much as the next gal but like we’re sleeping on so much fever checking potential here

overly warm hands, palms just beginning to sweat

a rapid pulse throbbing under glistening skin

feeling the warmth radiating off of whumpee through a thin t-shirt

even better, cool hands against the overheated skin of a bare, aching back

grabbing whumpee’s forearm and finding the unnatural heat there

a loved whumpee’s legs resting across caretaker’s lap, limbs hot on their thighs

the top of a head, hair damp and scalp burning when caretaker rests their chin on whumpee’s head

the back of a flushed neck, cupped tenderly in a hand

overheated thighs, maybe gripped through loose sweatpants or mostly bare because whumpee felt too hot for anything but shorts

squeezing a shoulder comfortingly and discovering the warmth there

feel free to add on!

[thoughtsonhurtandcomfort]

difficult recovery prompts

Nightmares

Won’t wake up

Can’t/won’t speak

Overheated

Hypothermic

Sickly

A fever that breaks

A fever that won’t let up

In too much pain to sleep

Lingering effects of poison

Applying bandages

Removing bandages

Stitched up wound(s)

Can’t stop shaking

Finally, water

Finally, food

No appetite

Drawn and frail

Pounding headache

Unsteady on feet

Falls trying to leave room

Not quite themself anymore

Hopelessness

Sore and achy

Fading bruises

Tense muscles

A slow-mending break

Impatient and frustrated

A balm or lotion

Touch starved

Side effects of medicine

Too much medicine

Not enough medicine

Recovering lost and alone

Recovering safe at home

Recovering while still with whumper

[jordanstrophe]

There's two kinds of caretakers.

The one tending whumpees bedside as they're unconscious in the hospital.

The one hunting down the whumper that put them there.

[chiharuuu22]

During the healing process, Whumpee needed many things, both for physical and mental healing. What are they?

Rest. Of course. There is no need to explain anymore. A good rest would restore Whumpee's body and mind after all his stress and suffering.

Calmness. From the environment and the people around Whumpee. Apart from the hospital, an isolation house far from the hustle and bustle of the chaotic city would be a good place to support Whumpee's recovery. Maybe a Caretaker's house would be better.

Medical. Medication is consumed to support healing (antibiotics, vitamins, painkillers, etc.). Medical equipment was used during the treatment and healing period. Professional medical personnel will care for Whumpee until he is completely healed.

Foods high in nutrition. Of course, it's easy to digest. Healthy food usually doesn't taste good, but it's the Caretaker's job to make the food able to whet Whumpee's appetite.

Water. There is no need to ask. Hydration is very important for Whumpee's body as it recovers.

Snack. Taking medicine every day definitely makes Whumpee bored. A little snack will help. The cookies, candy, or chocolate that Whumpee eats after swallowing the bitter medicine will make him smile.

Fresh air and morning sunshine. Many people say that fresh air and morning sunlight are also good medicine for recovery. Taking a breath and basking in the cool of the morning would be great for Whumpee.

Clean clothes. Replace every two times a day.

Bathe. Bathing in the morning and evening makes the body fresh and clean. Maybe at first, Caretaker won't immediately pour water but will wipe Whumpee's body with soapy water.

Straighten hair. Maybe cut it when Whumpee starts to get better. Apart from making it look fresher, Whumpee will also feel comfortable.

Comfort items. Plusies, stuffed animals, pillows, blankets, photos, scent, or anything else that can keep Whumpee calm and comfortable during the recovery period.

A change of scenery during recovery will also be helpful. Occasionally moving Whumpee to the living room, sitting him in the dining room, accompanying him on the terrace, or taking him to sit on the grass in the garden will make Whumpee feel better.

Light and pleasant conversation. Don't expect to be able to interrogate Whumpee during the recovery period if you don't want to be shouted at by Caretaker.

Touch. Whumpee is definitely touch-starved. A holding hand, a caress on the cheek, a stroking of the hair, a light kiss on the forehead, a hug, or a backrest when sitting will be what Whumpee really needs.

Calming sentences. Simple sentences that make Whumpee feel safe, such as "It's okay, you're safe", "I'm here", "no one will hurt you anymore", "I will take care of you", "it was just a dream, it's all over", "just rest, don't think about anything", "go to sleep, I'll be here when you wake up", "you did a good job", "I'm proud of you", "thank you for coming back to me," "I'm happy you are here," "I love you," and others.

Caretaker. There is no need to ask. Caretaker is the "medicine" that Whumpee needs most for his healing.

Anything you want to add?

[warmasf]

Thinking ab tiny, comforting, caretaking gestures

Caretaker gently touching whumpees thigh under the table, letting them know that their discomfort isn’t being ignored

Caretaker holding onto whumpees bicep, keeping them steady under the guise of a meaningless touch

Caretaker rubbing small circles on whumpees back as they cough or get sick, giving them a bit of comfort through the violence of their illness

Caretaker playing with whumpees sweaty hair, feeling their fever-warm skin and holding them close

Caretaker whispering small words of encouragement, little “shh”s and “it’s okay, it’s okay”s under their breath as whumpee cries, because they just don’t feel well

Whumpee collapsing into caretakers arms as they sob, because they’ve never felt this loved through such small actions

[whumpster-dumpster]

Whumpee leaning on Caretaker. They don't even really need anything at the moment but a point of contact with Caretaker makes them feel safe so they just...prop themself there for a bit