'Hey, Ad.'

Adele opened her eyes to see Sherlock sitting beside her. He smiled.

'When they bought you in, after it happened, you looked so fragile. Like a china doll, so easily broken. And they took you away, it was awful. I felt so guilty, because it was me that started it, and you were suffering because of it.'

Adele tried to look closer. There were dark circles under Sherlock's eyes, making it clear that he still hadn't slept. The smell of coffee hung in the air.

'And afterwards, when you were in here. If it hadn't been for all the machines, and wires, and everything else, you looked so sweet. Like an angel of sorts, but a helpless one. You looked like there was nothing in the World that was troubling you, even though in reality, you were fighting just to stay alive.'

He resumed the combing of her hair. It was weird to see an upset Sherlock.

'Tell me what's wrong, Ad.'

Adele shook her head. There wasn't any point.

'Please, Ad.'

The dizziness that so often came with these few minutes of consciousness was settling in. Why was it that she really wanted to tell him? Why couldn't she just pretend it was all okay, and go back to normal? Why? The one question burned into her brain, the one really bothering her.

'Why am I still here if everyone wants me dead?'

'Not everyone. One person.'

'Two.'

Sherlock thought about it for a minute.

'No. One. Just Hammet, no one else. Who else is it?'

Adele shook her head again. 'Doesn't matter.'

'It does. Tell me.'

'My mother.' It was all Adele could manage. The act of just listening, let alone talking was tiring her out.

'Ah. Adele, she was one of the most disgusting people to walk this planet.'

'Doesn't mean she was wrong.'

Sherlock sighed. 'She tricked you, Ad. That was it. Put an idea into your head, and let it grow. You were a kid, and you still are, so it's there. Don't listen to it.'

'Can't.'

'You can ignore it. You're strong.'

'Not anymore.'

'You are. Otherwise you wouldn't be talking to me now.'

'I might not be tomorrow.'

'I know you will. You're Adele.'

'Which is why I might not.'

'No. You'll be fine. I know you will. I'm never wrong.'

Adele shook her head. Once again, she was fading fast. But there was one more question.

'Why'd she do it?'

Sherlock shook his head sadly. 'I don't know. I really don't. But you're safe now. No one will ever hurt you again. I mean it this time.'

'It's too late. He'll try to-'

'Then I'll find him and deal with him myself. But I promise that this is the last time you'll ever see an intensive care unit.'

'I'm not so sure.'

'I am. And that's enough for both of us.' He paused for a minute. 'Eliza said to hold your hand, while you were out of it. I did.'

Adele could only manage a sentence more. 'You don't need to prove that you care. I know you do. I always have.'

She could only stay awake long enough to see Sherlock smile.