Evening had settled over the hospital when Cedric pushed the door open. He was coming to check up on Noel again, having visited him three more times that afternoon.
He stopped in the doorway.
Noel was already sitting up on the edge of the bed, coat on, doing up the last button. He had already decided to head home and face whatever was there to face. His expression already gave it out.
"No," Cedric said.
Noel looked up when he heard Cedric's voice.
"You're not fully recovered. The fever broke this morning but your body needs—"
"Cedric, two days," Noel said. "I've been gone for two days." He smoothed the front of his coat and stood, testing his legs. They held. "My father will be looking for me."
"Your father has been looking for you since yesterday," Cedric said, closing the door behind him. "I know."
"Then you understand why I have to go back."
Cedric crossed the room and placed his hand flat on Noel's forehead, checking for another reason for him to stay.
He removed it.
