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“It’s fine,” he says politely.
I give him a warm smile and stand at his side, resting my hand on his forearm.
When Annie lifts back the sheet, she pauses for just a moment before her eyes lift to mine.
“I’d like to get a catheter in as soon as possible,” I tell her.
“Agreed.”
I opt to insert the catheter myself. It’s one of my least favourite jobs, and yet the relief I know Alfred will feel once it’s in will be monumental.
“Oh, gosh,” he groans after a minute, sinking back into the bed.
“Is that feeling a little better, Alfred?” Annie asks.
“Yes.” He smiles, eyes still closed. “Yes, it is… and you can call me Fred.” He looks up, looking for me, still somewhat in distress. “Thank you, Dr Lowell.”
“You’re welcome, Fred.” I feel my brow crease and flick my gaze to Annie again.
She gives me a sad smile and looks at the elderly man. “Fred, once we’re done here. I’d like to get you up to urology for further testing.”
“Why?”
“Unfortunately, I don’t believe you have an infection at all. And I’d like to test the mass on your abdomen right away.”
“Oh.”
“Is there anyone we can call? Someone who can come upstairs with you?”
“Umm, no. Sorry, there isn’t.”
My heart sinks.
“You don’t need to apologise,” Annie tells him.
“Dr Harlow, if you could find someone to cover me, I would be happy to go up. I’d love the opportunity to see this through to discharge.”
Annie gives me a knowing half-smile and nods. “I’m sure I can find someone.” She steps away from the bed and goes to leave, pausing at my side as she rubs my shoulder. “Good work, Scar.”
I stare at the numbers on the wall of the elevator as it carries me down to my floor, each level seemingly passing slower and slower with each second.
As the doors peel open and I step forward with a heavy sigh, feet throbbing, I pause.
“Annie, you’re still here.”
She eyes me over her shoulder, flashing me a faint smirk before continuing with her paperwork. “So are you.”
I walk around the desk and drop down into the chair. My body feels about ready to give up.
“Need to talk about it?”
I shake my head. “Cancer.”
Annie doesn’t flinch. We both knew. “Head home, Scar. It’s been a long one today,” she tells me, not looking up from the notes she’s making.
“Are you leaving soon?”
“Yep. Once I’m done here, I’ll be right behind you.”
