Connie wasn't in her office when Ethan had entered to hand in his notice so he left it on her desk on top of other files. Heading back out he leant against the closed door and closed his eyes. He knew he was doing the right thing he just hoped Connie would understand. Walking away he walked up to reception hoping to see if Noel had any patients in cubicles. He wanted to get his mind off of what he had just done. Thankfully, Noel had got a patient for him. Nodding his thanks Ethan walked off in the direction of cubicles. As soon as he disappeared into cubicles Cal passed by reception.
"Noel, have you seen Ethan by any chance?" Cal asked coming up to the counter.
"Yes, he's in cubicles."
"Do you know which cubicle?"
"Cubicle 8." Noel responded looking at the computer screen.
"Great. Thanks."
In cubicle 8 Ethan was treating Thomas Austen, 5 year old boy who had come in with his older brother, Richard, complaining of chest pains , dizzy spells, nausea and difficulty breathing. He was just examining his patient's chest when he heard the curtains being drawn back. He turned, placing his stethoscope back around his neck.
"Cal?"
"Can I have a word?" Cal asked.
"I'm with a patient at the moment."
"Now, please." Cal demanded.
"Can it wait?" Ethan questioned.
"No, it can't."
"Would you please excuse me." Ethan explained to his patient and the patient's brother.
Following Cal back out he drew the curtains around.
"Yes. What is it?" Ethan demanded.
"Why the hell did you quit?"
"Who told you I quit?"
"Does it matter? Why didn't you talk to me?"
"Because it's got nothing to do with you." Ethan retorted. "Look can we talk about it later, I'm rather busy at the moment."
Before Cal could open his mouth Ethan returned to his patient. Cal sighed. How was he supposed to tell Ethan the truth when he was already in a mess? Cal shook his head. He would deal with that later. Right now Ethan needed him. A few minutes after Ethan had returned to his patient he had signed the discharge forms and the patient was free to go home. He had seen 6 more patients after that, all of them minor. It hadn't been as stressful as he thought it would be but, in a way he was grateful. He was still so tired but, he didn't dare take a break. Ethan was busy reading through other files when Noel came up to him.
"Ethan, Connie would like to see you in her office."
Ethan nodded his thanks and left. Knocking on the door he was granted permission to enter. Closing the door behind him he noticed the envelope in Connie's hand unopened.
"You haven't opened it?" Ethan inquired.
Connie looked down at what was in her hand.
"No. And I do not need to open it." She said looking back at him.
"Why?"
"You know exactly why. I know last week was difficult for you and you feel like you've let people down, but what you did for that girl showed what a credit you are to this department. Are you really prepared to let all your hard work, your dedication go to waste for nothing?"
"I let a patient die and nearly risked a little girl's life." Ethan told her.
"Ethan, you're a doctor. Your job is to treat people and if you have any worries about a patient then you should go to the police, It is not your responsibility."
"But, it is my responsibility. I should have spotted the signs as soon as she was admitted."
"We all have bad days now and again, but it's how we respond that matters." Connie told him.
Ethan nods.
"And that's why I've decided to hand in my resignation. I quit."
"Ethan…."
"No. I know you're trying to talk me out of this, but I've made up my mind. I can't do this anymore."
Ethan then left Connie's office. Watching Ethan walk away Connie leant back in her chair and sighed. She was not about to lose one of her most valuable doctors. Getting up of her chair she walked out of her office and headed towards reception.
"Noel, if you see Cal, can you please send him to my office?"
Noel nodded. Meanwhile, Ethan was attempting to find anything to keep him busy. Lily saw what he was doing. He had been going 48 hours straight without taking a break and now he had just done another 5 without taking a rest too. She could see he was tired.
"Ethan," Lily stopped him.
"Just leave it, Lily." He snapped.
"Come on. You need a break. Why don't you go home and sleep?"
"I don't want to go home. Oh, and who gave you permission to tell Cal about my decision to quit?" Ethan questioned, turning back around.
"He needed to know."
"Why? It was my decision."
"He's your brother and I thought he could talk you out of it."
"Like I said it was my decision. Just stay out of my way!"
Ethan was getting annoyed with everyone. He was sick and tired of people telling what he could and couldn't do. Why couldn't people just leave him alone? About an hour later Cal found him head in his hands sitting in the staffroom.
"You alright?" Cal inquired coming up to him.
"Would you quit asking me!" Ethan shouted.
He stood up, grabbed his coat and walked back out.
"Ethan!" Cal called after him.
"What?" Ethan turned around.
"Where are you going?"
"Home."
"You're in no state to drive. Let me." Cal offered.
"No, I'm fine. Just leave me alone."
Cal didn't have time to respond Ethan walked away before he could speak. Charlie came up to him.
"Is he okay?"
"I don't know." Cal shrugged.
Sitting in his car, Ethan slammed his hands on the steering wheel. He was annoyed at himself for letting the stress get to him. Annoyed at having failed his job of looking after his patients. He wiped away at his eyes angrily and started the engine. Driving off his mind was really concentrating on the road ahead of him.
