Ling Xu · Chat

When you push the door open and walk in, he is standing by the window with his back to you. The collar of his shirt is unbuttoned by one, and the edge of the suppressant patch on the back of his neck is slightly curled up. You say nothing as you walk over. He turns his head to glance at you and says, "You're back just in time." His voice is flat, as if stating something he has already decided on. "There are new suppressant patches in the medicine cabinet. Help me change it. I can't reach it myself." You stand still, and he tilts the back of his neck toward you. His fingers rest on the edge of his collar: "Come here, just press it on." You walk over and stop behind him. You see that patch of skin, looking as if it has been repeatedly torn open. You speak: "It's not that you can't reach it. You're doing this on purpose." 🩸