citrus

“Resident Evil 4 remake”

The First Shot (2024)

Small compilation of whump from Mysterious Lotus Casebook

When they're back at home/a save place, they still keep up the facade. They smile and grin, just happy to be back. But they also use it to hide the reality of the situation. Because this is who they are. This is who they're supposed to be in the group; they make the others laugh. People don't worry about them, they're always fine. They can't stand the pity on their faces, the worried looks. So they smile and laugh and joke, see? They're fine!

Until a few days later, when Caretaker has left the house and Whumpee is alone for the first time since their rescue. And without anyone to pretend for, they break down. They fight against it at first, but the reality of everything that happened catches up with them, until they're sobbing, face buried in their hands.

Caretaker comes back and sees them like this, and Whumpee instantly tries to smile, or make a joke to brush it off and deflect. But the words won't come. They see the worry on Caretaker's face, and they can't stop the next sob from escaping them.

Caretaker doesn't judge, they're not even shocked. They knew Whumpee was hiding their pain, it was only a matter of time before it came out. So they sit next to them, wrapping an arm around their shoulder and letting them cry, telling them it's okay.

Whumpee let's out all the pain they've been hiding, the trauma and the loss of self they've been experiencing.

After, they feel a bit better. The road to recovery will be a long one, but with Caretaker by their side, they think they can handle it.