"Oh!" Jeanne's lips parted on a sharp breath, a fleeting light of relief flashing in her eyes. 'Better he never wakes up,' she told herself.
When she moved her attention to Anne, she found her staring at her with an intensity that made her stomach sink. She forced her features into a careful blend of concern and sympathy, masking her satisfaction.
"That's bad… I hope he wakes up soon." Slipping into the seat beside Anne, she reached for her hands. "Don't worry, sweetheart. He'll be fine."
Anne didn't look away, nor did she pull her hands away. She studied her carefully. She recognized the false concern hidden beneath the mask of worry, but chose to remain silent, merely giving a small nod.
Turning away, Jeanne addressed the old man. "Dad, I have something to discuss with you. Can we go out?"
Dimitri's grip tightened on his cane. He had come to see his grandson. Without doing so and knowing how Augustine was, leaving felt wrong.
