I’ve never used ice. I take acetaminophen and perform stretching exercises on my hand. Since it is a repetitive action that causes the pain I make a point of stretching my fingers in directions other than those that caused the injury. Sometimes I use a wrist brace. So far — knock on wood — it clears up overnight and doesn’t flare up for some time after. This is good as I type somewhere in the 120 wpm range and contrary to popular belief, I like using both hands. Did I type that out loud?

Anyway, I hope something in that rambling screed proved helpful, Mouse. I have a good idea how painful your injury feels and I offer my sincerest sympathies. If you need to back off on the next page to recover then please, do so. I can only speak for myself but I prefer you work from a vantage of health and joy than pain.

Regarding the sketches of Rafa; I like topmost left and the one with the sunglasses most. Rafa looks happy in the first and in the second I get a feeling of well-being and perhaps a moving up a bit on the financial/prosperity totem pole. I have no rational basis for this as it is only a gut feeling. You mention below that this is chapter three so I grow hopeful that life for the boys or at least, Rafa takes an upward turn.

It just occurred to me that the sunglasses could be Rafa trying to look inconspicuous while spying on Scott and Elan from afar. That thought drew a bark of laughter from me. Rafa darling, you can’t hide your gorgeous hair. Give it up.

I have chronic tendonitis in my heels and carpel tunnel in my hands. Yes, I make art and write. :P