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“It’s okay. I get it. I’m going to be sick that day if I have to. No way I’ll miss it. I left a message for Steve and Mel too.”
“Do Simon’s parents know?” I murmured.
“Yeah, I’ve sent them an email and they’ve already replied. It’s okay, we’ve got your back. I could FaceTime you. Then you can listen wherever you are. Block out time from your patients.”
“Yeah,” I said, blinking. “Maybe.” It wouldn’t be the same as hearing it in person.
Ryan stirred and stretched, cracking his neck.
“I’ve got to go. But keep me updated, hey?”
“Yeah, all good, man. We all miss him. Shouldn’t have happened. I hope the hospital and his supervisors are held to task. I know you’ve been thinking about other options but how good would it be to walk back in there fucking victorious, man.”
I hadn’t thought about my old job in months. Andy didn’t know how things had changed.
“Look, Harry.” Andy interrupted my train of thought. “Sorry again about what I said in the group chat.”
I let out a breath. “Apology accepted.”
“You really like her, hey?”
“I’m in love with her, Andy.”
Ryan stretched, swearing.
“I’ve really got to go but I need to talk to you about the burns unit and Patient AT later.”
“Yeah, man. Whatever you need.”
“Right, gotta go.”
I disconnected the call as Ryan stood up, cracking his back.
“Fuck, I feel terrible,” he groaned. “Scotch and you don’t mix.”
“When you’ve got those into you,” I said, pointing to the painkillers as I poured him some water, “we need to talk.”
Someone knocked on my door, calling my name. “Harry? Are you there?”
Mum.I flung open the door. She was wringing her hands, tears streaking her cheeks.
“Mum! What’s wrong?”
I tried to pull her in for a hug but she shrugged me off.
“Oh, Harry,” she hiccupped. “Your father went to have a quick shower while I popped down the high street for a walk. I promise you it was only a quick walk.”
“Did Dad slip in the shower?” I went to move past her but Mum grabbed my arm.
“No, it’s Liam!” She gulped down air. “While I was gone and your dad was showering, he took off. Your father is looking for him now, but Liam’s been gone for at least fifteen minutes.”
Ryan walked over, his face grim. He gave me a single nod and I knew he’d help. I appreciated his solidarity right now.
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