FULL CIRCLE
Chapter 14
Miles was upstairs doing his best to keep one of his patients from dying. But it was turning out to be a futile attempt. He had just finished pronouncing the time of death when Stephen and Frank arrived
at the makeshift quarantine area. Stephen took a moment to silently study the younger doctor. It was evident from his near exhausted appearance and slower than usual movements that Miles was rapidly
running out of whatever reserve energy he'd had.
Miles pulled off his gloves and flung them with more force than necessary into the nearby trash can. Turning around to see Stephen he asked, "Connor, what are you doing here?"
"Eva said that you didn't get much sleep last night. I'm here to take over for awhile so you can get some rest," Stephen replied.
"Tell her "Thanks" for me. There's a couch downstairs I can crash on," Miles said.
"I'll have Frank drive you to the hotel so that way I know you can get some uninterrupted sleep," Stephen decided.
"Not to mention a chance to clean up and change clothes," Frank added, looking at Miles' rather rumpled attire.
"Go, on. Everything will be fine. Get some rest and be back here in six hours," Stephen said firmly.
"Yeah. That will be enough," Miles said.
"Come on. I had them put your stuff in my room. So guess what, we get to be roommates again," Frank was saying as he followed Miles out of the room.
"Yeah. Whatever," Miles said tiredly.
"Sounds like somebody is overdue for a nap," Frank gently chided.
"And if I'm a good boy and take it, do I get milk and cookies afterwards?" Miles asked sarcastically.
Stephen simply shook his head at the banter between the two other men before turning to a nurse and asking, "Where are the charts?"
"I believe the doctor was reading over them downstairs," she replied. "I'll go get them for you."
"Thanks," Stephen said. He pulled on a pair of gloves and moved to the first of the beds.