[ He's pacing, when Athos comes. He'd been sitting down, but that hadn't really worked. It's not only his father he's thinking about, but that's what he keeps coming back to.

When Athos reaches for him, he doesn't even hesitate. He moves immediately for his friend, taking hold of his shoulder and tightening his hands in his clothing. He talks without really thinking about it. ]

I didn't believe them either. They asked if I'd want it. I said of course, and they said that they would. I thought it was a lie among many lies.

But it's not. It's not a lie, Athos, they're holding him. They said I can see him during breaks.