Disclaimer: I don't own ER, or any characters you recognise.

Hi all! Thank you some much for the amazing response to the first chapter of this fic!

Just to make this clear - I have no medical knowledge, just way too much time to search the internet. Sorry for any inaccuracies.

Enjoy!


That evening, when Ray finishes his shift, instead of going up to Weaver's office, he goes to the roof, and leans on the edge.

I can't be sick, this can't be happening.

It has to be nothing.

I don't need all those tests to prove to me that it's nothing.


Ray is still in the same position when Weaver finds him up there half an hour later. She walks over to him, and firmly, but comfortingly says. "Come inside, Ray."

"I don't need tests. I'm not sick." Ray mumbles, obviously more to convince himself than her. All his medical training tells him that he is probably sick, and that he does need tests, but he is terrified of what the tests might show.

Kerry knows that he needs time to think, so she simply tells him. "I'll be in my office 'til late." And then walks back to the fire escape door, and goes inside.

Within a few minutes Ray follows her. Might as well get this over with.


The tests are scheduled for three days later, Monday. And Ray shows up at the outpatient department first thing that morning, as instructed.

He goes over to the reception desk where an attractive woman, about the same age as him greets him. "Hi, I'm Kelsey. How can I help you?"

"I'm meant to have some tests today …Full blood workup, MRI, EMG, muscle biopsy, and a lumbar puncture. Name's Ray Barnett."

Kelsey looks down at her computer, and quickly types something in, then looks back up at Ray. "Alright Ray, if you'll just take a seat, someone will be with you shortly."

"Thanks." Ray replies, forcing a smile before walking over to the small waiting area, and sitting down on one of the plastic chairs.


A week later, Weaver is working in her office when there is a knock on the door. She calls out. "Come in."

The door opens, and her assistant walks into the office, carrying an envelope. "Dr Weaver, these test results were just brought up from the lab. The tech said to hand them to you directly, said something about a VIP patient-"

Kerry doesn't need to hear anymore, she knows what this is, so she interrupts as she stands up, and walks over to her assistant. "Thank you, Tom. I'll take those now."

Tom hands over the envelope, and then asks. "Should I hold your calls?"

"Yes, thank you." Kerry replies as she sits back down behind her desk, and gives Tom a look that clearly says 'leave'.


Once she is alone, Kerry rips open the envelope, and pulls out the printed pages it contains. She puts the papers down on her desk, and puts on her glasses before starting to read.

As she reads through the papers, her expression turns from professional to concerned, and then as Kerry finishes the last page, she has to struggle to maintain some small measure of her composure, as she blinks back tears.

She might not be close to Ray, but she knows that he is a decent guy, and a good doctor, and he definitely doesn't deserve this.

The test results conclusively show that Ray has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS.


Meanwhile downstairs in the ER, Ray is standing out in the ambulance bay waiting for an ambulance with Abby, when Luka comes out into the bay, and calls out to Ray. "Ray. Weaver called, she needs to see you in her office, now."

Ray knows that the test results should be back today, and he has been waiting anxiously all day. But Ray masks his nervousness before he turns around to face Luka, and lightly says. "Okay. Can you take this trauma?"

"Sure."

Ray nods to Luka in acknowledgement as he strides inside.

"What was that about?" Abby enquires to Luka once Ray is out of sight.

Luka recalls how vague Kerry had been on the phone before he answers. "I don't know. Weaver just said to send Ray up to her office, and not to expect him back today."


Five minutes later, Ray enters Weaver's office just as she is wiping away a stray tear. He immediately knows that it is not going to be good.

Kerry looks up from her desk, but before she can greet Ray, he questions her. "So what is it?"

"…" Kerry hesitates. "You should sit down, Ray."

Ray stays where he is, and insistently says. "I'm fine here." Actually he is exhausted, and can tell that he won't be able to stay standing much longer, but still- "Tell me what the tests showed."

Kerry sighs as she sadly informs Ray. "You have ALS. I'm sorry, Ray."

Upon hearing this, Ray just looks stunned.

This can't be happening!

I'm not even that sick.

Eventually the sound of Kerry's voice breaks into his thoughts. "…called Nina Cohen, she's a neurologist over at Northwestern, specialises in motor neuron diseases."

"What?" Ray looks up at Weaver, and it is clear to her that he hasn't heard anything.

Kerry takes a deep breath before repeating herself. "I've called Nina Cohen, a motor neuron disease specialist over at Northwestern, one of the best in the country. She has agreed to take your case. You have an appointment with her on Thursday."

Ray begins to sway on his feet, and unsteadily collapses into the previously offered seat. As he buries his head in his hands, Ray murmurs. "This can't be happening. I don't want to die."


TBC...

Please let me know what you think!