#elsewhere

And August drives

2+ hours.... well, he's driven worse.

August has a pretty easy drive actually, it's almost as if someone fair fortuned him because he gets a lot of pockets even in the thickest traffic

Of course he has pockets. He's wearing 'boy clothes.'

Hitting the City itself things slow down and he approaches the hospital.

He parks (pays as needed) and masks up before entering the hospital.

Gray people everywhere... worn out nurses, orderlies being used as security guards, doctors tired of saving people people from their own cult like stupidity

He takes a deep breath; he's better guarded than some but.....

Reluctantly, he uses his phone to text others and let them know where he is. Bannerhouse members all.

Responses come in. One is close, will be therre in a half hour if you nnneed

He notifies all that he is moving in, and backup to ensure he returns would be welcome. And then he's moving in.

In he goes.

The woman at the desk says "Your business?" Hospitals aren't supposed to be a business. They're supposed to be where the sick and injured gget the care they need.

"I would like to visit a patient here, please." he responds gently

"You family?"

"Yes." he answers after just a heartbeat to think about it.

This was the right answer "name of patient?" She goes mechanically through motions of lookingg up

"Rachel Castle." his voice is soft, gentle.

"Oh.." She mutters something about vegtables, then says "Coma ward. 4th floor, Room 40"

"Sign here" She adds

"Thank you. I will keep you in my thoughts for the work you do here." August can say that sincerely... he signs, and then he's off to the 4th floor, room 40.

He feels like ice is layeringg on him.... as he leaves taht woman, and moves past the doctor saying to a nurse "he's not insured so as far as we know we've done all the tests required. got it"

"Yeah, I knnow the drill" she says

He gets to the elevator

He waits till the door have closed, and murmurs to himself "May the light of the sun burn my skin...." A reminder, a recognition, a promise.....

The person in the elevator behind him groans "I hate this place"

The next words are on his tongue, but he holds and looks behind him.

Hard to focus.. to remember the words. What's he poinnt.. he's going to see a vegtable, this is a waste of his time and..

DING! 4th floor, and he remembers there's a mortal he has to see. he's a liam, dammit

But who is behind him? As he steps off the elevator.

A male nurse.. gray and depressed .

August tries to at least make eye contact as the doors move closer. "I believe in you."

August like most liams bears banality, but he also can help lift it a bit, the nurse mutters "tha.. thanks" surprised

A litle, just a little less gray

And into he room where Rachel waits he goes

He approaches reverently, carefully.

There are two coma patients here, but he cann tell which one is Rachel. Good lord she's still so young. His own age

He lingers at the door, just inside, looking.

They may have neglecttted her physical therapy.

not forever, not ennough atrophy, but yeah

August makes a note.

An orderly says "In a week they cut the switch"

"Pardon?"

"Legal finally got us free of the dead weight"

The orderly shrugs "Pardon, patient"

"Please leave us."

"Sure sure.." And off he goes