Tato Potato, I think Cal would have to be very ill to stop teasing Ethan! Thank you for your review.

ETWentHome, I'm not sure if Cal knew or guessed or just wanted to say something embarrassing! Whatever his reasons, I'm happy you enjoyed it. Thank you for your review.

Tanith Panic, thank you for your review. I'm happy you like it, but I can't promise a happy ending, no!


Ethan enjoyed the rest of the day. He had to see more patients than usual because of Cal's absence, but none of them were particularly difficult and they all seemed appreciative of his efforts (if not quite as appreciative as Taylor).

He'd already decided Taylor was a remarkable woman, and this seemed only to be proved when Lofty told him she'd donated a tablet to the children's ward. "I didn't quite know what to say. It was incredibly generous of her."

Ethan had to agree. Taylor had obviously devoted her life to her charity and he was sure she must have put a lot of her own money into it, but she'd still spared a thought – and a valuable piece of equipment – for the hospital that had helped her when she was unwell.

"Ethan, are you okay?" said Lofty, concerned. "You look a bit flushed."

"It is a bit hot in here," mumbled Ethan as he blushed even more. "I'm fine, Lofty. Thanks. I have to go now."


When it was time for Ethan to have a break, he phoned Cal to see how he was, and was pleased when Cal reported that he was feeling quite a lot better now he'd got some food inside him. "So I should be all better and back at work tomorrow, Nibbles! I bet you miss me."

"I miss you very much," said Ethan. "Especially when I look at the length of my patient list."

"I miss you too, Nibbles," said Cal sweetly. "Especially when I look at all the washing up in the sink!"

"You must be feeling better if there's lots of washing up for me to do," said Ethan. On another day, he might have been annoyed. Today, he was just too happy.


When Ethan's phone rang again a short while later, Ethan assumed it was Cal to say he was feeling ill again, but the call came from an unknown number.

"Hi, is that Ethan?" said a female voice.

"Yes, this is Ethan Hardy," said Ethan.

"Hi, Ethan, it's Taylor. Taylor Ashbie. We met at the hospital. I'm the one with chest pains and breathlessness."

Ethan felt himself beginning to smile, but then he realised that her phone call might not entirely be good news. "Hi, Taylor. How are you? Is everything all right?"

"Yes, thanks. I'm feeling much better now," said Taylor.

"I'm glad," said Ethan.

There was a pause, then Taylor gave a nervous-sounding laugh. "You're probably wondering why I called. I did say I'd only call if there was something wrong. But I thought… well, I'm sure you have much more important people to worry about than me, but I couldn't help thinking if I was in your position, I'd be worried. So I just wanted to reassure you that I'd got home safely."

"I'm glad," said Ethan, smiling again. "That was very thoughtful of you, Taylor."

"So… are you having a good day?" said Taylor. "I do realise that's absolutely none of my business, but it seems a bit rude to tell you how I am without asking you."

"Oh, no, that's quite all right," said Ethan. "Um, I think I'm having quite a good day. Thank you. It's been a bit busy because my brother is ill so I've been phoning to check on him quite a lot. But I'd still say it's been quite a good day. Some of the patients I've seen were very ill, which is always sad as I'm sure you know, but… this probably doesn't make any sense, but I was able to help all of them and I'm glad I was able to do that. I hope that doesn't sound bad."

"Of course it doesn't sound bad," said Taylor. "I feel exactly the same way. The things I see when I'm working are terribly upsetting, but I just have to remind myself that I have made things a little bit better and that's always a good thing. It's a sign that we are heading in the right direction, very slowly. I know we can't make very much difference really, but even just helping one person… I'm sorry. I'm boring you again."

"No: not at all," said Ethan. "I like hearing about what you do." It was very difficult to feel bored when listening to someone as passionate as Taylor. "Your charity sounds incredible and you must be tremendously proud of what you've achieved."

"I do try to be," said Taylor. "But there's always something else to do. There are always more people who need our help and for that we have to raise money, which can be really difficult."

Ethan could believe it. "It must be especially hard for the little-known charities. Everyone is suspicious because of all the fake charities out there."

"Oh, yes, I can't believe some people could do something like that!" Taylor sounded almost tearful. "To use someone else's suffering for their own gain… it's terrible! And it does have an impact on the genuine charities like ours. It's very difficult to find support, though we are very fortunate in our main sponsor. They're very generous and we couldn't do half of what we do without them."

Someone entered the staff room, making Ethan jump.

"Dr Hardy, are you still on your break?" said Lily.

Ethan looked at the clock and realised that although he was still on his break, he shouldn't be. "Will you excuse me for a moment, Taylor?" he said, flustered. "Thanks." He gave Lily a nervous smile. "I'm sorry, Lily: I'll just be a minute. I just need to finish this phone call." He took a breath, telling him there was really no need to panic about being a bit late finishing his break. He had technically been speaking to a patient. "Taylor, I'm really sorry, but I'm afraid I need to get back to work. But thank you for calling. I'm very pleased you're feeling better and I wish you the very best of luck with – with your endeavours."

"Thanks, Ethan," said Taylor. "I hope your brother is better soon and that you don't catch it!"

"Thank you," said Ethan, surprised but touched that she'd remembered. Of course, it wasn't the kind of illness he could catch, but he didn't want Taylor - or Lily - to know that. "Goodbye, Taylor."

"Goodbye, Ethan."

Ethan stayed where he was for a moment, just smiling, but then he remembered Lily's presence and quickly turned to face her. "Sorry about that, Lily." Ethan's heart was jumping, but that was probably the stress. "How can I help you?"

Lily was looking at him strangely. "Is everything all right, Ethan?"

"Oh, yes. Yes, of course. Why wouldn't it be?" Ethan smiled at her. "Do you need me to help with something?"