The drive back from the hospital was quieter than the drive there.
Not uncomfortably so....just the natural quiet of people processing significant things. Margaret's improvement had been remarkable enough that even the hospital nurses had done double-takes at her vitals during their afternoon check. The attending physician had been called in, had reviewed her charts with barely concealed bewilderment, and had used words like unexpected stabilization and remarkable response with the careful caution of someone whose medical training had not prepared them for miracles.
Raphael had sat through the doctor's assessment with perfect composure, contributing nothing to the conversation except a politely interested expression that revealed absolutely nothing.
Eve had sat beside Margaret's bed and held her hand and tried not to let the relief overwhelm her completely. She mostly succeeded.
