While I won't get into all the details, let's just
say that my bad day started around this time last
night when Steve the cat started to have trouble
breathing, continued after a literally sleepless
night with an $800 vet visit and the little guy's
transfer to an emergency care facility for the
next 24 hours, and has now reached its culmination
as I type with one hand... since, adding agitation
to my usual lack of innate grace or peripheral
vision, I smacked the other hand hard against a
door frame and busted my thumb.

So here I sit, with one thumb in a splint and only
one cat in the basket next to me, and instead of
grumbling or whimpering, by jove, I'm calling for
a SHOW ME thread.

In particular, I want you to show me characters
who look like they've been through the wringer,
emotionally or physically, but are still looking
Fate straight in the eyes and saying, "bring it."

Just a little anime inspiration, if you don't mind...