LOG : settlement
Title: Settlement
Setting: Modern AU
Date: 25th of June, 2012
Summary: They have both been forced to deal. At costs only partly within their power.
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When she slips her iPhone back into the inside pocket, the lining of her handbag is soft against her fingers. Dry. Absorbs the moisture that is still clinging to her hands, from the short walk required to cover the distance between the nearest bus stop and the hospital entrance. Luxembourg City is too small to justify a refusal to utilize the public transportation available, isn’t that so? The thoroughfares in and out of the inner city constantly increasing in value, considering the numbers of Mercedes’ and Porsches that they sustain. She has called him twice, on her way back from university, several pairs of eyes watching her at various degrees of covertness, while she was left with a referral to his voicemail rather than an answer. Doctor Hirsch returned his phone last night, to negate the inevitable outcome of shifting from intravenous therapy to medication in carefully measured rations. Thus, the act of picking up shouldn’t be beyond him. At this point.
The lift ascends in stages, passes the first and second floor without interruptions and her skirt feels dense, where it clings to the back of her thighs. The hem a touch of weight, brushing against her ankles. She had requested this meeting with the dean, in advance; to spare him the uneasiness of resuming their professional contact when it’s clear that her commitment is currently elsewhere employed. Their concerns aren’t unreasonable, of course. They are hers as well and as such, she would have liked to -- reach him. Jean Louis.
Changing of the guard at four PM, on schedule. Once again. Her arrival is announced by bell, the hallway deserted while responsibilities are redeployed. Lined by a row of closed doors on both sides. By now, it has been reduced to routine - moving between the elevator which functions as their direct connection to the surrounding world and his ward. Which, in contrast, belongs to them solely. She hasn’t counted the steps, because it is highly unnecessary, isn’t it? The door presenting itself by default. On her right. Opening it quietly, having come to the natural conclusion that he must be sleeping - seeing how uncaring he is about the existence of his phone, she enters the room. The venetian blinds are lowered as is his habit at this time of day; when the sunlight would otherwise dominate the space he’s undoubtedly decided to have fallen under his ownership.
If nothing else, the air has been properly ventilated. Out of respect for his preferred comforts.