What if? || Duskwood

4.

First, I headed toward Hannah's room. I wanted to find out how she was, but I saw Thomas and immediately started walking in the opposite direction.
Richy's room was harder to get to, so I had to take the elevator. I finally got to the correct number, but it wasn't quite what I expected. The man who had only been smiling and joking all the time now was sitting bleak and staring at the window.

-Hi Richy- I whispered, but he was still looking at the same spot. -I thought you'd enjoy my visit more- I added after a moment.
-Polly? Is that you?- He turned his face toward me, which finally showed a smile.
-Who else?- I replied, hugging him.

We spent several hours just talking and laughing. I felt really at ease with him and above all: I didn't think about the past. Apparently, the visit served him well too, because the smile never left his face.

-Polly, you know I regret what I did, don't you?- I was surprised by the question, because we haven't talked about what happened yet.
-Richy, you don't have to explain yourself to me- I replied.- I've already forgiven you.

I thought that he'd been relieved. A smile appeared on his face again, but after a while, he became sad again.

-I think about Jessy all the time, do you think she will ever forgive me?
-She needs time some time- I said quite frankly.- So does everyone else.
-I hope.
-I have to admit that I suspected that you were behind this- I added after a moment of silence
-How did you manage to do that?- He was staring at me admiringly.- I thought everything through carefully
-I'm just a good detective.-I replied smiling.

We decided that we would not pursue this subject anymore, because it was overwhelming for both of us.
Instead, we decided to turn on the TV, and our favorite series was broadcast there. It really couldn't be better.