"Abby?" yelled Kerry, as she started walking the hall. "i need you, Susan and Jing-Mei to go up to the roof. Helicopter's bringing in Carter"

Abby nodded. "What about Luka?"

"I've not heard about him yet. Hurry up!"

Abby ran to the elevator, meeting Susan and Jing-Mei there. They took the elevator up to the roof. But, before they went out, Susan turned to Abby.

"Brace yourself Abby. It sounds to me as if Carter's in a pretty bad way. Just remember to focus."

Abby nodded. Susan gave her a pat on the shoulder, and they all ran to meet the helicopter.

"What have you got?" Susan asked the flight nurse. She already knew what it was, but she had to ask in case he had decompensated on route.

"John Carter. 32 years old. Suffering from Malaria" she informed Susan as she handed her the chart.

The helicopter took off again, and Abby, Jing-Mei and Susan were left with Carter. They wheeled him into the elevator.

Jesus, he looks like hell, Abby thought as she looked down at John. His eyes were shut, and he was profusely sweating. He also kept muttering something in his sleep. She put her ear close to his mouth, but couldn't quite understand what he was saying.

All too soon, they arrived at their destination. They had been given strict instructions to admit Carter to medicine, and not leave until he had been properly examined. He was given an IV and some medicine to help keep his fever down. Abby noticed just how batter and bruised he was looking. She was even more shocked when they removed his clothes, only to find millions of little bites all over his body.

"Mosquito bites" said Susan sadly.

The three girls walked away. Abby was horrified. It had been a wonder he hadn't died out there. She had never wanted him to go in the first pace, but would he listen? No, he was too distraught over his grandmother to care. She mentally kicked herself for not being there.

"Miss Lockhart?" said a young doctor coming out of Carter's room. "Excuse me, but Dr Carter wants to see you."

Abby froze for a second. Oh God, he wants to break up with me. Well, better get it over with.

Abby sauntered into the room. She was surprised to see Carter sitting up in bed, reading a book.

"Hi" he said in a weak voice.

Abby opened her mouth to say something.

"Before you say anything" said Carter "I just need to tell you that I am so sorry for going to Africa, and leaving you...I-I still love you, Abby."