[Jamil nods mechanically, and returns to kneeling next to Kalim.]
Sure. Lie on your left side.
[It's easy, familiar, and almost reassuring to fall into the old pattern of giving Kalim lessons. Jamil gently guides Kalim's limbs into the right places without having to think to ask, while explaining what he's doing so automatically it's like his mouth is moving on its own. Right leg bent forward, to prevent rolling onto the stomach. Hands beneath Kalim's cheek to elevate the throat and prevent any obstruction to the airway. Jamil knows he's already explained this to Kalim multiple times, but for once he doesn't complain as the routine gives Jamil a break from having to think.
Unfortunately, there's really only so much you can teach about the recovery position (it's pretty simple) and after the second run through--not to stall, just to make sure Kalim really gets it, obviously--it's like Jamil's mouth stops working. He can barely remember what he just told Kalim, and now he can't come up with the next thing. And there's always a next thing. There's always contingency plans to make, always things to instruct Kalim on, they certainly don't have every possible danger in this situation covered.
But Jamil finds he can't think of any of those things. He sits back on his heels and all he can do is stare at Kalim lying on the ground with his head full of static and his throat locked up, knuckles nearly white from how tightly he's clasped his hands together.
This is it. He's run out of things to say and he doesn't know what's next. He doesn't know what to do.]
no subject
Sure. Lie on your left side.
[It's easy, familiar, and almost reassuring to fall into the old pattern of giving Kalim lessons. Jamil gently guides Kalim's limbs into the right places without having to think to ask, while explaining what he's doing so automatically it's like his mouth is moving on its own. Right leg bent forward, to prevent rolling onto the stomach. Hands beneath Kalim's cheek to elevate the throat and prevent any obstruction to the airway. Jamil knows he's already explained this to Kalim multiple times, but for once he doesn't complain as the routine gives Jamil a break from having to think.
Unfortunately, there's really only so much you can teach about the recovery position (it's pretty simple) and after the second run through--not to stall, just to make sure Kalim really gets it, obviously--it's like Jamil's mouth stops working. He can barely remember what he just told Kalim, and now he can't come up with the next thing. And there's always a next thing. There's always contingency plans to make, always things to instruct Kalim on, they certainly don't have every possible danger in this situation covered.
But Jamil finds he can't think of any of those things. He sits back on his heels and all he can do is stare at Kalim lying on the ground with his head full of static and his throat locked up, knuckles nearly white from how tightly he's clasped his hands together.
This is it. He's run out of things to say and he doesn't know what's next. He doesn't know what to do.]