Dr. Charles had remained behind the door and knocked on it before entering.
'knock Knock'
Having got no reaction, he knocked a second time and said:
- Can I come in? -
Will came out of what appeared to be a trance state and nodded at him.
So Dr. Charles entered the room and without saying anything at first took a chair and positioned himself near the bed, although not too much.
It was preferable not to start with direct questions. The psychiatrist knew that if he did, he would lock himself up and say nothing.
In this he was very much like his brother. They used to say they were fine, even if they were in pain.
The psychiatrist knew him well.
So he stood there silently watching his friend's behavior.
The first thing Charles had noticed was that he had never looked him in the face. Not even to signal him to enter.
At that moment he had turned forward and then turned back to the window.
Given the improvements he had made, Will no longer had the oxygen mask, only the cannula under his nose and his bed was slightly raised.
- If you came to talk to me, there is no need. I'm fine! - said the doctor breaking the silence that had been created in the room.
- I'm happy to hear it. - replied the doctor - I didn't come here to talk, I came to see a dear friend of mine. If you prefer to remain silent, that's fine for me. I stayed a while and then I went in. - said the paciocco doctor.
Meggie and April were on their way to visit Halstead, but noticing Charles's presence they decided to do so at another time.
The room in no time had fallen back into silence and the doctor's tension could be cut with a knife.
Will continued to look out the window, staring at the sky, in which a beautiful sun was shining even though it was not summer, while Charles simply continued to stand there and observe him ready to sense any change.
In fact, it did not take long, the doctor began to cry without turning around, tears fell copiously and silently from his eyes. He was finally bringing out all that he had been holding back up to now.