Disclaimer: I do not own Albert the Fifth Musketeer or the characters
Chapter Ten
Albert finished making the bases for the first pair of crutches. "Alright, now I need to consider what will help make them a bit more comfortable to use. It shouldn't be as if there is a block of wood under the arm, that would be very uncomfortable." He looked around his workshop for any ideas. "Oh! How about a cushion?"
"Well, you seem to be making a lot of progress."
Albert turned and saw de Treville had entered his workshop again. "Hello, Sir."
"How are the devices coming along?"
"I've almost finished the first pair of crutches. I'm going to sand down the handles here," he gestured to the little blocks of wood between the two longer ones, "so there won't be any corners to hold. I'm also planning on adding some mini cushions up here," he gestured to the top, "and maybe on the handle so then it will be a bit more comfortable to use. Or I might just wrap something around the handle."
"Excellent work. Now then, are you ready to come with me?"
"Of course, Sir!" He set down the crutches, hopped off the stool and followed after his Captain.
Monsieur de Treville knocked on the door to the infirmary. "Is it alright to come visit?"
"Certainly! Just a minute, Sir!" the doctor called back.
Albert waited patiently for the door to open. He was a little surprised at the lack of anxiety he was feeling.
The door opened. "Good evening, Sir. Good evening, Albert. Come on in. I just finished changing the bandages."
The two men entered the infirmary. Albert surprised himself by entering calmly, not hurrying to the beds.
D'Artagnan looked to the doorway. "Hello, Sir. How are you doing, Albert?"
"I am doing alright, D'Artagnan. Yourself?" He picked up the stool and moved it so he could sit near the beds. He didn't stay by D'Artagnan's bedside, he was there to visit all of his friends, after all. "How are the rest of you?"
"Not too bad. We still feel a little pain now and then, but it's not as bad as when we first got these. At least we're able to sleep well at night, and tomorrow, we might be getting something other than broth," Porthos replied.
"I'm glad to hear that."
"And you, Albert, you sound different. In fact, you're sounding almost like your old self. Was it really helpful for you to stay out of the infirmary after all?" D'Artagnan asked.
"Believe it or not, it did help. After my nightmare, and then coming in here to see that's all it was, I was able to convince myself a lot easier that you'd still be here when I was able to come visit."
"What have you been doing today?" Athos questioned.
"After I woke up this afternoon, I had a hard-boiled egg and small plate of my ammunition for lunch. Following that, and a talk with Captain de Treville, I continued working on those assistance devices. I've almost finished the first pair of crutches. Judging by your recoveries, I don't think you'll be needing these devices. But, it will be handy for them to be around in the near future."
"You really are returning to your old self," Aramis commented.
He blushed lightly and averted his gaze to the hardwood floor. "I'm sorry for causing such concern..."
"It's alright. You were wounded too, you just needed something to help you begin your own recovery."
"Yes, and I think I've finally found it. If I am able to continue to convince myself that you'll still be here when I next come in to pay a visit, then I'll be able to overcome that fear I have, which in turn may alleviate those feelings of guilt."
"Well, we wish you all the best in your recovery. It wouldn't be the same without you," D'Artagnan commented.
"Thank you, my friend."
After a few more minutes, de Treville approached the petit Musketeer. "Alright, let's let them have their rest. We'll come back tomorrow."
Albert nodded. He rose from the stool. "Well then, until tomorrow. Good night, gentlemen. Rest well."
"You as well, Albert. Good night," D'Artagnan responded, the other Musketeers echoing him.
The doctor waited until Albert and de Treville had left the infirmary and closed the door before he moved to lock the door.
Albert had changed into his nightwear. He climbed into his bed, situating the candle on the small table beside it. "Alright. You've just finished visiting them, talking with them, and they sounded much better. It was almost as if you were just coming to check on them if they had a bit of a cold and were resting in their own bedroom. They are just fine now, and will be out of the infirmary by the end of the week. They are fine, so no need to fret anymore about their condition." He continued to whisper to himself after blowing out the candle and laying back, closing his eyes. It had worked in the afternoon, so why not try again?
It seemed to be working that night as well, as Albert soon found himself falling into a peaceful slumber. Negative thoughts did not plague him that night either.