Inside the Carriage…
"Brother, your mood has improved. Did you have a good nap, or did something happen?" William asked as the carriage began moving.
"Oh, you could tell?" Albert chuckled.
"Please! Everyone could tell. You were a bit different earlier," William said, not minding the playful tone.
"Well… Louis and I had a good talk about matters of the heart. Some things that were still unclear to me have become clearer. I understand my heart and feelings more now. I realized some things after that conversation." Albert smiled softly, placing a hand over his heart.
"I see. It's good that the matter of the heart is resolved. Are you truly okay now, brother?" William looked at Albert with a hint of amusement. "Still, I didn't expect you and Louis to have this moment… Don't get me wrong, I'm happy you two found something to connect over, but it was surprising."
"Me too. I didn't expect Louis to give me advice, but I'm thankful for what he said. I was able to realize what I truly feel for Catherine." Albert turned somber for a moment before looking seriously at William.
William noticed how the atmosphere in the carriage suddenly became heavier, and he reciprocated Albert's seriousness.
"William… I know this secret of ours—the organization—should be kept hidden and never come to light. The vows and promises we made, the change we wish to achieve, I know its significance." Albert clenched his fist so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
"But there is someone… a very precious person whom I wish to be with. A precious someone whom I have loved dearly since the moment I met her. A person that I want to be a part of my family and my life. With every beat of my heart, I feel that she has consumed my very soul, leaving no corner of my being untouched by the depth of my existence."
"You know, don't you?" Albert asked finally.
"Yes. Louis and I have suspected your feelings for Catherine for some time now." William paused, looking out the window.
"But, brother, there's one thing I want to confirm… your stance. What is it that you truly want?"
"Hmm? What do you mean by that?" Albert was puzzled by the question.
"To be honest, we were already expecting you and Catherine to be together. We've already accepted that Catherine would become a new member of our family. But these past few days of interacting with her, not just me but Louis too, we've sensed a hesitation in your approach. It's as if you're afraid of something. What is it that you fear? Is it our secret life? Do you not wish for her to be in danger or to know our secrets?" William asked.
"After all, Catherine is a doctor. She saves lives, while we, as a criminal organization, even if justified by the fact that those we kill are the scum and devils of society, it is still a matter of taking lives. It's quite the opposite of what she does for a living." William looked at Albert seriously.
"I—I fear for her life." Albert, who had been silent until now, replied. "I know that with the course of our plan, there will always be danger. We wish to create a new world of equality, but to achieve that, we must taint ourselves with blood. And I don't want to stain her innocence or her beautiful dreams. What happened to her yesterday was a wake-up call for me, like a bucket of water splashed on me, waking me up to the harsh reality." Albert sighed.
"I want to pursue her, but I'm afraid of the outcome… William…" Albert looked at William earnestly, like a child seeking comfort. "What should I do?"
William didn't respond immediately. He smiled and patted Albert's hand. "To fear is human; to love is human. It's perfectly normal to fear the future and the unknown. What truly matters is what you currently feel and what the present has in store for you. Brother, I'm happy for you." William paused and looked at the rising sun.
"I'm glad that you've found love in this world full of darkness. You shouldn't pity yourself. Your life doesn't just revolve on the plan. You already have our blessing." In the end, William gave Albert a pure smile.
Seeing William's smile, Albert remembered the time he heard William's declaration at the orphanage and the conversation that followed. He felt the same sense of salvation, a feeling of something beautiful to look forward to, a flower blooming in the chaos of the world.
"Thank you, William. It seems like even the matters of my heart are resolved by you two. Truly, I seem like a fool." Albert smiled sadly.
"Don't say that. It's perfectly normal to feel that way. Love can make you irrational, but it can also fuel courage and determination. You could say that love is a treasure full of warmth and beauty." William encouraged Albert to take the risk.
"Well, I finally have a sister-in-law. It's a nice addition to the family." William teased. "What are your plans now, Brother?"
"I still don't know. But I do know that I don't want to let her go." Albert declared, determination shining in his eyes.
"That's the Albert James Moriarty I know."
Coincidentally, the carriage stopped just as they finished their conversation. Fred opened the door and informed them they had arrived at the hospital.
"Master Albert, Master William, we're here."
Perhaps because it was the early hours, there weren't many people around the entrance. Fred placed the luggage on the steps and closed the carriage door.
"Is there anything else you need?" Fred asked, ensuring everything was in order.
"Nothing. Thanks, Fred. Sorry for making you drive at this hour." William shook his head.
"Not a problem. It is my duty." Fred nodded expressionlessly. "If there is nothing else, I'll be on my way."
Fred boarded the carriage and left. Albert and William picked up their luggage and started walking inside. There weren't many people in the hallway, and some of the nurses recognized them and didn't ask for identification. They only asked them to sign their names in the logbook before heading to Catherine's room.
Hendrix and Lord Zachary had insisted that Catherine be placed in a private suite. Doctor Helene had no objections, nor did Albert and William. The walk to Catherine's room only took a few minutes. Arriving at a door, William knocked softly once, then opened it and entered.
Albert followed silently. The room was quiet. The windows were half-closed, and the only light came from a lamp on the bedside table. The faint sound of the drip's liquid could be heard.
They looked at the couch and saw Hendrix sleeping soundly. They both didn't disturb him, knowing he had a long journey and was mentally exhausted. They did not wake him and let him sleep. Both tacitly understood to be quiet, so they silently arranged their belongings on the table slowly, afraid of making any noise.
Fortunately, the room had two couches and two chairs. After they settled down, Albert offered the couch to William, but the latter declined. However, Albert left no room for bargaining. Having no choice, William reluctantly accepted and quietly laid on the couch.
"Brother, I'll take a nap. Wake me up if you need anything." William covered himself with a blanket as he reminded Albert.
"Okay. You go to sleep first. I'll be on the lookout." Albert nodded and went to sit in the chair beside Catherine.
Albert softly stared at Catherine lying on the bed silently, observing her pale face and the IV drip needle in her hand. Perhaps because of the drip, Catherine's left hand felt a bit cold, and the area where the needle was inserted appeared slightly red.
Noticing this, Albert went to the bathroom, fetched a basin, and left the room. He went to the nurse's station and asked for hot water. Considerate as ever, after returning, he added a bit of cold water from the tap in the bathroom, tested it, and only after ensuring the water was lukewarm did, he fill the water bag.
Gently, he placed the water bag beside the bed and laid Catherine's left hand on it. Feeling the comfort of the warm water bag, Catherine moaned softly, her expression relaxing. He set the basin aside, took the towel placed by the nurses on the bedside table, and gently wiped the sweat from Catherine's forehead.
"Don't be afraid. I'm right beside you. I'm here for you." Albert murmured softly; despite knowing she couldn't hear him.
Only when he saw that Catherine was peacefully sleeping did he put the towel back down. Feeling the fatigue in his body, Albert yawned and leaned against the chair's armrest for a nap.