Chapter 25: Detour to the Hospital

The soft chime of the bell above the fabric store door was drowned out by the escalating commotion inside. The cashier, who had watched Marinette browsing the aisles with increasing unease, bolted from behind the counter when she saw the young woman collapse.

Marinette lay unconscious on the floor, her breathing shallow but steady. The cashier pulled out her phone with trembling hands and dialed 911, her voice shaking as she explained the situation.

"There's a young woman—she just fainted. She's not waking up! Please send an ambulance quickly."

The dispatcher's calm voice guided her through the steps, assuring her that help was on the way. Moments later, the distant wail of sirens grew louder, until the paramedics burst through the store's front doors with a stretcher in tow.

The paramedics moved with practiced precision. One checked Marinette's pulse and breathing, murmuring reassuring words to the unconscious girl, while the other asked the cashier for details.

"She just... collapsed out of nowhere. She mentioned a headache earlier, but I didn't think it would be this bad—"

"It's okay," the paramedic said, his tone calm and professional. "You did the right thing by calling us."

Marinette was carefully lifted onto the stretcher, her pale face framed by strands of dark hair. The paramedics secured her and wheeled her out to the waiting ambulance, its red and white lights casting eerie patterns on the surrounding storefronts.

At the hospital, the emergency room buzzed with controlled chaos. Nurses and doctors rushed around, connecting Marinette to monitors and taking her vitals. A young nurse retrieved Marinette's phone from her bag, scrolling through her contacts to find someone to notify.

"Emergency contact... Felix Graham de Vanily. Let's try him first," she said, dialing the number.

Felix was in a sleek conference room at Vanguard Operations, his phone buzzing insistently on the table. He glanced at the caller ID and frowned, excusing himself to take the call.

"This is Felix."

"Mr. Graham de Vanily, this is Nurse Clara from Saint Charles Medical Center. I'm calling about Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She's been brought in after an episode—"

Felix's sharp intake of breath interrupted her. "What happened to her? Is she hurt?"

"She experienced a fainting episode, likely due to a condition called vasovagal syncope. She's stable now, but we're running tests to ensure there are no underlying complications. We wanted to let you know, as you're listed as an emergency contact."

"I'm on my way," Felix said instantly, his voice taut with worry. "Do whatever you have to do to make sure she's okay. I'll be there as soon as I can."

He hung up, already striding toward the exit, his earlier professional demeanor replaced by barely concealed panic.

Meanwhile, Alya's phone buzzed loudly on her desk, interrupting her as she sifted through surveillance reports. Seeing the unfamiliar number, she hesitated before answering.

"Hello?"

"Is this Alya Césaire?"

"Yes, who's asking?"

"This is Nurse Clara from Saint Charles Medical Center. Marinette Dupain-Cheng has been brought in after fainting. She's stable, but we're running some tests. We thought you'd want to know."

Alya's hand tightened around her phone. "Oh my God. Is she okay? Can I see her?"

"She's stable, but we'd recommend giving her a little time to rest before visitors arrive."

"I'll be there anyway," Alya said firmly. "She's my best friend. Just... please keep her safe."

In Paris, Sabine Dupain-Cheng was tidying the bakery counter when her phone rang. She smiled at the unknown number, assuming it was a new customer, and answered brightly.

"Hello, this is Sabine."

"Mrs. Dupain-Cheng, this is Saint Charles Medical Center. I'm calling about your daughter, Marinette."

The cheerful expression vanished from Sabine's face. "My daughter? What's happened?"

"She's stable, but she experienced a fainting episode and was brought in for evaluation. We're conducting tests to ensure her health, but we wanted to inform you."

Sabine's voice shook. "I... I can't get there right away. I'm in Paris. But I'll board the next flight. Please, take care of her until I arrive."

"We will, Mrs. Dupain-Cheng. Rest assured, she's in good hands."

Sabine hung up and immediately began making arrangements, her hands trembling as she booked the earliest possible flight.

Back at the hospital, Felix and Alya arrived within minutes of each other, their faces etched with worry. Felix was the first to reach the front desk, where Nurse Clara was waiting.

"How is she?" Felix asked, his voice clipped but betraying the tension beneath his composed exterior.

"She's stable. She's resting in Room 214. The doctors believe her episode was due to vasovagal syncope—essentially a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, often triggered by stress, over exertion, dehydration, or standing for too long. You can see her now, but please keep it brief. She needs rest."

Felix nodded, then glanced at Alya, who had been listening intently. "You can go first," he said quietly.

Alya gave him a grateful look and hurried toward the room, her heart pounding.

Inside the softly lit room, Marinette lay peacefully on the hospital bed, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Alya approached her bedside and gently took her hand.

"You scared the hell out of me, girl," Alya whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "You're not allowed to do that again, you hear me?"

Marinette stirred faintly but didn't wake. Alya sat with her for a few minutes before stepping outside to let Felix take her place.

Felix entered the room, his gaze immediately softening as it landed on Marinette. He pulled up a chair and sat beside her, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

"You have no idea how much you worried me," he murmured, his voice low. "I can't lose you, Marinette."

She stirred again, this time her eyes fluttering open slightly. Felix straightened, a mixture of relief and concern on his face.

"Hey," he said softly. "You're awake."

"Felix?" Marinette's voice was weak but steady.

"I'm here," he said, reaching out to gently take her hand. "And I'm not going anywhere."

A few minutes later, the doctor entered, a tall woman in her thirties with dark brown hair tied into a neat ponytail. She checked the monitors and then turned to Felix.

"Mr. Graham de Vanily, I'm Dr. Ellis. I'm treating Marinette." She smiled reassuringly at him. "I understand you're worried. But Marinette's condition is not uncommon, and we're taking all the necessary steps to ensure she's okay."

Felix nodded, relief flooding his chest. "How long will she need to stay here?"

"For now, we'll continue monitoring her, but if everything stays stable, she'll be able to leave in a few hours. We'll have her take it easy for a few days to let her body recover. But we believe the cause of the episode was due to vasovagal syncope—essentially a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, often triggered by stress, dehydration, or standing for too long."

Felix let out a slow breath, processing the information. "I've never heard of that condition. Is it serious?"

"It can be alarming, especially when it happens without warning," Dr. Ellis explained. "But it's manageable with lifestyle changes and proper care. We'll give her more details when she's fully awake and able to process them."

Felix smiled softly, glancing at Marinette's still form. "Thank you, doctor. I appreciate it."

Dr. Ellis gave him a nod and left the room, leaving Felix alone with Marinette once more.

The hours passed slowly as Felix sat by her side, watching her drift in and out of sleep. Alya returned, sitting in the corner of the room, her face a mixture of concern and exhaustion.

Felix rubbed his eyes, trying to keep his composure. "I should've been there earlier. She was alone when it happened."

"You couldn't have known, Felix," Alya said, her voice soothing. "This isn't your fault. You're here now, and that's what matters."

Felix smiled faintly at her. "Thanks for being here."

Alya gave a tight smile, then looked at Marinette. "I'm just glad she's okay."

The following morning, Felix left the hospital to check on some business matters, though his thoughts remained with Marinette the entire time. The day passed slowly, and he kept his phone close, constantly checking for any updates.

Sabine had called him early in the morning, apologizing for not being able to make it to the hospital sooner. She explained that she would be flying in to Paris that afternoon and would visit Marinette at the safe house once she arrived.

As the day wore on, Sabine finally landed in Paris. She made her way straight to the safe house, carrying a large box of pastries in her arms—her way of showing love and comfort to her daughter.

When she arrived, she was greeted by Alya, who had been keeping watch over Marinette.

"How is she?" Sabine asked anxiously, setting the box down on the kitchen counter.

"She's doing better," Alya said, offering a reassuring smile. "She's resting upstairs."

Sabine exhaled in relief. "Good. I'm just glad she's okay."

She went upstairs to see Marinette, the pastries waiting as a symbol of her love and concern.

Sabine quietly entered Marinette's room, her heart clenching at the sight of her daughter resting in bed. Marinette's complexion had regained some of its color, though she still looked fatigued. Sabine set the box of pastries on the bedside table and sat down in the chair Felix had occupied earlier.

She reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Marinette's face. The gentle motion stirred Marinette, her eyelids fluttering open.

"Maman?" she murmured, her voice raspy but warm with recognition.

"Yes, sweetheart. It's me," Sabine said, her voice thick with emotion. "I came as soon as I could."

Marinette smiled weakly. "You didn't have to come all this way..."

Sabine's expression softened. "Of course I did. You're my daughter. When I heard what happened, nothing could keep me away."

Marinette tried to sit up, but Sabine gently pressed a hand to her shoulder. "No, no. Rest. We can talk while you're comfortable."

Marinette let herself sink back into the pillows, her gaze flicking to the box on the table. "What's in there?"

Sabine chuckled softly. "Just a little something to make you feel better. Your favorite pastries from the bakery."

At that, Marinette's eyes brightened. "Thank you, Maman."

Sabine took Marinette's hand, holding it gently. "The most important thing is that you're okay. But you have to promise me you'll take better care of yourself. Listen to your body, Marinette. Pushing through the pain doesn't make you stronger—it just puts you at risk."

"I know," Marinette admitted softly. "I guess I thought... I thought it wasn't a big deal."

Sabine's expression was understanding, but firm. "It was a big deal, sweetheart. Your health always comes first. If you ever feel off again, you tell someone. Whether it's Felix, Alya, or me—we're all here for you."

Marinette nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm sorry for worrying everyone."

Sabine leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "There's nothing to apologize for. I just want you safe and happy."

Later that evening, Felix returned to the safe house. He found Sabine in the kitchen, cleaning up after preparing tea and setting out some pastries. She looked up as he entered, offering him a warm smile.

"Felix," she greeted. "Thank you for looking after Marinette."

"She's everything to me," Felix said simply. "I'd do anything to make sure she's okay."

Sabine studied him for a moment, her gaze softening. "I can see that. She's lucky to have someone who cares about her so deeply."

Felix hesitated, then nodded. "Thank you. And thank you for coming. It means a lot to her—and to me."

Sabine patted his shoulder. "She's my daughter. There's nothing I wouldn't do for her."

As the night wore on, Marinette's room became a hub of quiet activity. Alya joined Sabine and Felix there, and the group sat together, exchanging stories and reassuring Marinette that she was loved and supported.

Though Marinette still felt the lingering effects of her ordeal, the warmth and care of her family and friends began to mend her spirit. Sabine's pastries, Felix's steady presence, and Alya's endless encouragement were the balm she hadn't known she needed.

For the first time in days, Marinette allowed herself to relax, her heart full despite the challenges she'd faced. With her loved ones by her side, she knew she could face whatever came next.

I'm so glad that Marinette is okay! Even though vasovagal syncope sounds bad, it's actually pretty common, and Marinette might have gotten it because of all the physical activity she had to do when trying to retrieve the Miraculous, which could have led to over exerting herself. Thank you so much for reading!

ILY-Nattie!