Outside the hospital, the next day
Marc, you came. Can I talk to you?
Stephane, get out of my way. I should press charges against you, but right now I mostly feel like smashing my fist into your face again—and damn the consequences.
Okay, okay, stop. I get it, you're right. I'm an idiot. I lost it yesterday, it went too far.
Too far? Oh yeah, you think? Imagining that I could've assaulted her—or worse. No, you're completely out of your mind, and you even managed to drag her parents into it. You disgust me.
Marc, I'm sorry… truly. No—her parents never believed it, I swear. Don't blame them, please. I'm the one who planted doubt in their minds, but they defended you, I promise. I'm really, sincerely asking for your forgiveness. But right now the most important thing is Catherine's health. She doesn't need this at the moment. Let's at least call a truce until she gets better, okay?
Yeah, for once I agree with you—so leave me alone.
No, wait, I need to talk to you. Don't go in… at least, not right now.
Why? What's going on again?
Listen… she's not doing very well right now. She got some bad news earlier, so she's furious—you know, she even dumped me. So it's not a good moment for you to go in either.
What bad news? Did they find something else? Are her parents with her?
No, they'll come later. She wanted to be alone.
Alright, talk—tell me.
The lung tests aren't very good, so they want to keep her for at least ten days and change her treatment.
Oh shit… but it's nothing serious, right? What's the problem exactly?
The problem is she's going to miss her exams—and that means losing the year.
Oh no, that's not true!!! I didn't know she had exams right now.
She does. I don't really know why, but they've got a whole series of tests that are eliminatory. So she's really down. She doesn't want to see anyone.
Okay, I'll call her.
No—especially not. She won't pick up.
Why wouldn't she pick up if she sees it's me?
Uh… how do I put this… listen, this news is still very fresh, so her anger will probably cool down, but right now she's holding you responsible.
WHAT???? Me responsible? Responsible for what this time?
She says that if you had brought her back as soon as you found her, her condition wouldn't have gotten so much worse and she would've been able to take her exams.
That's insane, that's complete bullshit. We couldn't go back because of the storm—she knows that.
I think her memories are a bit confused because of the fever, and she probably doesn't realize how dangerous it would've been. But for now, she's absolutely furious with you and doesn't want to see you. I took a beating too, trust me, so it's better to give her a little time to step back.
But I have to talk to her, explain things to her.
Listen, I know we're not friends—far from it—but I advise you to at least let today pass, let her get her bearings back. Try calling her tomorrow and see. Right now, she's not hearing anything anyone tells her. She threw me out like trash, so just drop it for today.
*************
Hi Catherine, how are you today? Can I come see you? xx
NO
Why? I really think we need to talk. Can I at least call you?
NO
I don't understand. What did I do? Please explain, don't just leave me hanging like this.
You tried to ruin my relationship with Stephane and now you're ruining my year. It's your fault if I'm stuck in this hospital bed. So don't come, don't call, I have nothing left to say to you. Just leave me the hell alone.
But Catherine, you told me you were already sick before all this. You're not seriously going to blame me for giving you pneumonia??? That's ridiculous, isn't it?
I'm blocking your number. Don't come to the hospital, and definitely don't come to my place when they discharge me.
*********
Two days later
Marc, it's Ben. You don't give much news these days, man—what's going on?
Pff… shitty week, I can't take it anymore. I just want to drop everything—you have no idea.
Well that's perfect, that's exactly why I'm calling you.
What? What kind of sick joke is this? Listen, I'm really not in the mood…
No, seriously—we rented a house on the coast with some friends, it'd be great if you came.
What? But don't you have classes right now?
Yeah, but like you, I'm totally fed up. We just felt like escaping for a few days. Grab a ticket and come—it'll be good. Especially if you're about ready to lose it. What's the point of going to class if you can't even focus? We booked a full week—you can stay just a few days if you want. There'll be five of us, it'll be cool to unwind and get some fresh air.
Honestly, that might be the best offer I've had in a long time.
You'll tell me all your misery by the sea with a cocktail in hand. You'll see—it'll already feel a lot smaller.
**************
You're packing a bag? You're leaving? Where are you going, sweetheart?
I'm going to join Benjamin and some friends on the coast. I bought a train ticket—I'm leaving late this afternoon.
And your classes?
Mom, listen—I need to leave before I completely lose it. So my classes… if I go just to sit there and not listen to anything, there's no point. I might as well do something for myself.
Do you want me to take you to the station?
Yes, please.
When are you coming back? Will you call me?
Max a week—and yes, of course I'll call you. Mom, I'm not going to do anything stupid. I just want to get away from here for a few days, just to breathe. I need some fresh air.
Okay, sweetheart, I understand. Does Catherine know?
Please don't talk to me about her anymore.