Chapter 7

The drive back to the hospital was in silence. Porthos drove while Sylvie sat in the passenger seat wanting to do nothing more than curl up in a little ball. She felt Porthos' eyes on her every few minutes. She knew he was worried about Athos too and she hated putting extra worry on him.

After Aramis told her on the phone she needed to get back to the hospital, everything else he said came out as white noise. Somehow she knew to end the conversation and then found herself pounding on Porthos and Elodie's bedroom door.

She was fairly certain Elodie had helped her dress, and hugged her promising the children would be alright.

Porthos took Sylvie by the hand walking her into the hospital and through the halls, up the elevator and in the ICU.

"Mis, what's going on?" Porthos asked.

"Athos' heart stopped for a few minutes," Aramis said. "They got it started."

Sylvie felt an arm wrap around her shoulders pulling her in until she was pressed up against a firm chest.

"Sylvie, he's in a coma." Aramis' voice was speaking softly next to her ear. "It's alright." Aramis held her tighter speaking softly words of reassurance.

She realized she was struggling in his arms letting out pained sounds straining her throat. Eventually she just went limp sagging in his arms resting her head against his shoulder.

Aramis walked her over to some chairs sitting her down and sitting next to her. Another arm, bigger, wrapped around her from behind as she leaned in against Aramis. Porthos. It disappeared suddenly and some unknown time later another arm, thinner, wrapped around her. Constance.

TM

Constance brushed her hand through Sylvie's hair trying to soothe her friend. She met Aramis' eyes. He looked worried indicating Sylvie had calmed down.

Porthos had filled in Constance and d'Artagnan when they arrived. Thankfully Anne was able to watch Emily for them.

"What did the doctor say?" Sylvie's voice startled all of them. She sat up rubbing her eyes.

"He doesn't know when…"

"Or if?" Sylvie interrupted Aramis.

"We have to remain positive?" Aramis said.

"I need to see him." Sylvie pushed herself up off the chair nearly stumbling. Constance and Aramis grabbed her from both sides giving her support. They walked her into the small ICU room Athos was being held.

D'Artagnan and Porthos followed. Constance pulled two chairs over to one side of the bed, one for Sylvie and one for her. When she finally looked at Athos she was shocked. He had a tube down his throat. He was pale even for him.

The five of them surrounded the bed for as long as the doctor would allow.

TM

Sylvie was finally beginning to come back to herself. Most of the others left the room a few minutes ago, but likely didn't go far. Aramis was the only one who stayed. He was sat next to her holding her hand.

"What now?" She asked not really expecting an answer.

"Talk to him, pray if you're inclined," Aramis said.

Sylvie couldn't really understand Aramis' faith. She had seen a great deal of pain growing up to believe in a god. "You do not make sense of this world by God's will. It is the will of man that makes living a hell on earth."

"What?" Aramis looked at her confused.

"Something my father once said to me. A bit over dramatic I suppose, but it feels appropriate for things I have seen in my life."

"Not over dramatic at all," Aramis said. "As a police officer I have witnessed the worst the world has to offer. A few growing up as well." Sylvie looked up sharply. "Another time," he said. "Your father was a good teacher."

Sylvie reached out taking Athos' hand wrapping it in hers.

TBC