A loud bang jolted Tasper from his restless slumber. He sat up, his eyes struggling to focus on the door through the dim light shining through the window. His mother strode into the house, still donning her costume, but her mask was noticeably absent. The tracings of a scar on her face were barely visible. He noticed the scar every time he looked at her.
"Patch me up," she requested, unsmiling. She sank into a chair at the kitchen table, her eyes fluttering shut. Tasper followed her into the kitchen, flipping on the lights. In the light, he was finally able to see the blood seeping from her shoulder. Her fist was clenched, and she was frowning, but otherwise she was the same.
He sat in the chair next to her, pulling the first aid kit from under the table and hoisting it onto the wooden surface. "Shouldn't you go to the hospital?" he asked flatly.
His mom glanced at him. "Why? I've got you."
Sighing, Tasper took out a needle and thread as she undid her costume and tugged her shoulder out of the sleeve. She appeared to be struggling a bit, but he didn't dare help her. He instead disinfected the needle while he waited, then he set to work on her shoulder. It wasn't unusual for her to come to him for help like this. He'd just never get used to it.