That morning went slowly. As the patients slowly trickled in, and poured out, some of them were sifted my way. I got the steady stream of genuine cases, many complaining of the illnesses that had been going around, others wanting someone to talk to, without any real medical reason.

To be honest I liked the company. Morning surgery, A couple of hours alone in my office. Must admit I get pretty lonely.

There was one old lady. A particular favourite of mine. She was ill. Terminal. Yet she had this real zest for life. She was a nurse once. Seen it all. Nothing fazed her. I always enjoyed her company.

"You alright doctor?" She asked, smiling weakly. She always put others before herself. A motherly figure, some might say. Could say that's what I thought.

"Yes. I'm fine." I didn't understand. Gordon was acting strange, and now Mrs Grey was aswell.

"You look drained Doctor" She replied. She knew what she was talking about, and she's been right so many times before.

"I.. I'm fine"

"We all say we're fine when we're not. It's an overused word. Always has been. The truth hurts. Sometimes admitting to something is the first step to recovery"

I was puzzled. What did she mean? Why?

"Well, take care of yourself doctor" She finished.

"Shouldn't I say that to you?" I asked, laughing. I watched as she left. The patient after had cancelled, so I had a break. Time to think.

They were both right. To an extent.

I glanced up at the clock which hung proudly on the wall above my desk. I had two patients left. One a known hypochondriac, the other well known for being accident prone. So this should be interesting.

Those appointments flew. Neither had anything medically wrong. First wanted attention, second had a cold for which there is no cure.

My day had taken a spectacular twist. The private patient didn't show. Day was back to normal.

My door swung open, and in came Gordon. Complete with Coffee. Sight for sore eyes. The coffee was placed on my desk, and Gordon sat down beside me.

"Thought you might need it"

"Yes, thank you" I replied, embracing the warmth.

"Look.. about last night..." He began.

" You seemed to be... restless. Up and down. Everything ok? . It's not like you at all."

"I'm shattered to be honest"

"Yeah. You do look a bit pale" He placed a cold hand on my forehead, and the look on his face changed.

"You do feel a bit warm" He pulled out a fever scan.

"Yes well... It's warm in here." I argued back. "I am fine. Really. I am ok".

"Well if you're sure. I can always ring Mike and drive you home". I smiled, and placed a hand on his.

"I'm fine. If I feel worse I'll come and find you. Ok?"

"Ok." He said, accepting defeat. He could be a little overprotective at times. He knew what's best. We sat there, discussing what to do next.

"Look, take some ibuprofen and see how you are later. I'll be more than happy to get you home"

"Thanks" I whispered, taking the two tablets that Gordon gave me. And for those, I was grateful.