//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2 
// Story: Handle with Care 
// by gcsmith 
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You trace the scar on your one hoof with your other as you come out of your daydream, that was only the scar that was most clearly visible, since then you had gained a large amount of scars, mostly on your back or back legs. Taking a large breath of the processed hospital air, you twist your body side ways to glance at your back. Now clearly visible are large chunks of missing fur, areas which have been involved in various accidents and the fur seems like it will never grow back. 

It was a sight that made you cringe whenever you saw it, you couldn't escape the feeling that you looked hideous with all these scars and bald patches. Still, you could console yourself in the fact that it wasn't your fault, and that you noticed that whenever you had been in the library recently, Twilight always seemed to shoot you a look of sympathy. It wasn't the best of looks, not even a heart warming smile, but it was better than the horrified expression you expected everypony to have when looking at you.

You will still looking at the scars, trying to remember what caused each of them, when you heard a door open and a pony walk into the room. "Looks like you've been through the wars, Quill, how you feeling today?" It was the doctor

You replied in a gravelly tone, "Ok I guess, doc, though my throat's a little horse and I still can't remember much about the accident."

"Which one?" he joked, receiving 'we are not amused' look for his efforts. "Sorry about that, just my way of dealing with things, I'll just get you a cup of water." With that looked down to the end of the room where a large jug of water and a series of cups were situated, with a quick focus of attention he magically poured a glass of water and placed it within your grasp. 'Being a unicorn seems to be far more fun than being a plain old earth pony," you thought to yourself.

As you gulped down the water he shone a little light into your eyes, it made them water but otherwise was harmless. "Hmm, you say you still don't remember much about the accident? I guess our hope it was just a concussion seems to have proven fruitless, it leaves only amnesia as the only alternative. Do you remember anything about the day of the accident?"

Downing the last of the water, you started to recount what you could remember. "I can remember waking up, preparing breakfast and a knock on the door..." Beyond that your memory was dark and fuzzy. You clutched your head trying to remember something, anything else about that day.

The doctor smiled as you drew your hoofs away, clearly unable to remember anything else. "Do you remember being brought into the hospital?" A shake of the head was all you could give his question. "Well, at least it seems to be only a small bit of memory loss. That's a good sign, hopefully it will come back, either with time or if you have a prompt."

You joined him in a smile, at least the news seemed good. "When will I be able to leave? I mean, I love staying here as much as the next guy, but I there is only so much white anypony can take."

"All of your vitals seem good, none of your previous injures seemed to of been aggravated by the event. Overall apart from amnesia and the dust from your lung which we cleared, you seem to be in good health. I think we will be able to discharge you within the hour." With that he rang a bell situated by your bed causing a nurse, the particularly attractive one who you often saw around the place, to come into the room. 

"Yes doctor?"

"Could you get me the discharge papers for, Mr Quill, please?"

"Right away." 

As she turned away you spared a short glance at her swaying flank. You weren't particularly interested in her, but, boy could she move. Your watched her through the open door until she turned round a corner, as you turned your attention back to the doctor you noticed he was watching you with a small smile on his face. Obviously he had noticed you check the nurse's flank out. All of a sudden a your face became hot, you weren't usually self-conscious, but being caught like that made you feel like a little colt.

After your blush had died down, and he had managed to stop his laughing, the doctor's face became serious. "Quill, I have to tell you something about your accident." His tone was deep, not his usually joyful self, "It's about your house. I'm afraid it was destroyed in the accident."

For a moment you can't believe what you're hearing, you smile at the doctor as if it's a hoax, he must be joking. Sadly he just frowns as you smile, and you realise it's the truth, your home for the last two years has been destroyed. What's worse, with your small funds it was going to be hard to get anywhere else to stay.

"Do you have any friends you could stay with?" the doctor asked.

You contemplated to yourself for a minute. 'There's Twilight, but we barely know each other beyond what our favourite books are,' it seemed you didn't have anyone to stay with. 'If only I didn't spend so much time reading,' you cursed yourself, 'I might have made more friends. Some that could look after me in a time like this.'

"Not really Doc," you replied, "But I'll do something." He just smiled and nodded at your reply, there was nothing more for him to say. 

For the next few minutes you went into auto drive, barely registering the nurse as she entered the room. Hastily, you scribbled your name on the discharge forms and before you knew it, you were standing outside the hospital. As you shakily stood there on your weakened legs, wind blowing through your mane and your fur, you realised that the suitcase next to you may now contain all that you owned. It was a sobering thought.

With tears stinging your eyes, you quickly decided to head back to your house, what was left of it. Intending to survey the damage, hoping there would be some stuff to salvage, and there was always the possibility of jogging your memory.

"Well, no point just standing here," you muttered quietly to yourself. "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Considering the situation, it seemed an appropriate phrase.