Llanview Hospital-Exam Room

"Oh God, Jack." Jennifer squeezed her husband's hand tightly as they waited in the tiny room for Michael.
"Dr. McBain should be here any minute. Besides, we've been through much worse than this! Remember how long we were on that island?"
Jennifer sighed. "Yeah, but Jack that was different. That was..."
"Wonderful." Jack finished. "Best time of my life."
Jennifer laughed. "You are such a liar, Jack! You couldn't wait to get back to civilization!"

Jack smiled and ran his fingers through Jennifer's blonde hair. "It was perfect... because I was with you."
Jennifer's eyes filled with tears. "Oh Jack..." Tenderly she put her hand on his cheek and leaned in to kiss him.

Suddenly the door opened. "Good afternoon, Mr. Deveraux, Mrs. Deveraux." Michael said.

Embarrassed, Jack and Jennifer pulled away from each other.

"Oh! Hello, Dr McBain!" Jack said cheerfully.

Michael sat down and looked at the chart. "I have your test results, Mr. Deveraux."
Mrs. Deveraux let out a deep sigh and clutched her husband's arm.
"What's the news, Doctor?" Jack asked.

"Well, I've gone over all the test results..."
"And?"
"The findings aren't good. The virus has become very aggressive. It's progressed to the stage where it's starting to attack your vital organs."
Jennifer gasped in shock. "No..."
Jack reached over and took Jennifer's hand; his gaze intent on Michael.

"There is one thing we can try." Michael said. "However, it's pretty risky."
"What are my options, Dr McBain?"
"Well there's an operation that's relatively new, but we've had some success with it." Michael said. "It's exploratory surgery. We go in and pinpoint where the virus is attacking. Then we can use powerful antibiotics to try and ward off any infection that might occur."
"So when can you pencil me in?" Jack asked.

"Jack, don't you think we should discuss this first?" Jennifer asked. "I mean, it sounds pretty scary."

"Jennifer, I'm willing to try anything for you... and for Abigail." Jack said.

Jennifer looked worriedly at Michael. "Dr. McBain, will you be doing the surgery?"

"Yes, myself and a team of the finest virology experts at Llanview Hospital."

Jennifer turned to Jack. "Jack Deveraux, we're in this together, so if it's okay with you, it's okay with me. I love you."
They kissed again; obviously not concerned that Michael was still in the room.

"So..." Michael said. "Can we schedule you for Friday morning?"
"Friday morning it is." Jack said.
"Great." Michael said, scribbling on a notepad. "I'll have someone call you with the details."
"Thank you, Doctor McBain." Jennifer said.

Michael smiled. "You're welcome. And I promise I'll do everything in my power to make this operation a successful one."