Aillard felt a wave of relief upon learning that Astrid, his beloved, was in stable condition. Since he brought her to the hospital, he hadn’t dared to enter her room, spending the day outside, consumed by fear.
"I can't bear to see her like that," he whispered to himself repeatedly, the image of her hooked up to various machines and looking pale tormenting him.
Inside the room, Astrid’s mother was with her, engaged in conversation with her daughter. Aillard hadn't spoken to Astrid himself yet, having hurriedly called her upon arrival to explain what had happened. Aillard was unsure how to face Tita Avalon, especially under these circumstances involving her daughter.
“He promised to Astrid's mother that he would take care of her, and now this," Aillard lamented internally. Aillard fail
