Once Zoe was sure Ethan had closed his eyes she placed two fingers upon his neck to check. He still had a pulse. Ethan had assumed when Zoe injected him with the drug it would be the drug which would end his life, but he was wrong. There was nothing in the syringe. Zoe couldn't bring herself to end Ethan's life. Even though she knew it was what he wanted she just couldn't. She would not play God. Yes, she knew what his life would be in the future however, for now he was doing fine. Most of his symptoms were mild and because they were mild she would not end his life, not until they became unbearable. Ethan would continue to have their support until the final days of his life. She was not prepared to give up on him this early. Zoe looked towards the other two and indicated for them to leave.
"Are you sure about this, Zoe?" Lofty asked once they were back down in reception.
"I'm sure. I know it goes against hospital policy and the patient's wishes, but I'm not prepared to lose him this early. He'll understand."
"Understand? You saw how distressed he was. He's not going to be pleased with you." Max stated.
"And I'm not prepared to end his life. I can understand where Cal was coming from when he said he couldn't make the decision to switch of the machine."
"I don't mean to sound rude, but, isn't that a bit rich coming from you. I mean you were the one who insisted Cal let him die." Max added.
"Look, I know what I said. And I was wrong. I know Ethan wants to die, I know Ethan is suffering but, for now he's doing as well as can be expected. His symptoms are not too severe that he can't cope on his own. "
"But, Zoe, he knows what's coming up." Lofty said.
"I'm not going talk about this anymore. What's done is done." And with that Zoe returned to her other patients.
Max and Lofty both looked at each other. They could understand where Zoe was coming from, like they understood where Cal was coming from but, it was Ethan's choice. And going against his wishes was disrespectful. Zoe sighed, it had been a tough day especially with what had happened with Cal and Ethan. She knew though she had to keep her composure. There was a quiet knock at the door and Connie entered. She took a seat without being offered.
"Do have an update on Cal's condition?" She asked crossing her legs.
"Not that I know of." Zoe replied.
"Okay and how's Ethan?"
"Alive."
"Well, of course he would be alive." Connie replied confused. "Why wouldn't he be?"
"Because he's just asked me to help in die."
Connie remained silent for a few moments. Then regained her composure.
"Zoe, you know that goes against hospital policy."
"Don't. I've already had the lecture from Lofty and Max."
"Yes, well they were right. Keeping someone alive against their wishes is undignified."
"Don't you think I know that?" Zoe snapped back.
"Of course, I do. But..."
"But, what. After what happened to Cal when I told him he had to switch of the machine I finally understood where Cal was coming from. It's just not Ethan's life that would be affected."
"I know, but it's not our decision to make. I know Ethan's being selfish, but so are we. We're keeping him alive against his wishes. Ethan doesn't deserve that."
"I'm sorry, Connie I just can't do it. I know this is selfish but, Ethan will remain alive until his final days."
Connie just nodded and left. Before she walked out the door she stopped.
"You know the Board will hear about this and there will be consequences?"
"I do."
"Well, I'll try and persuade them to not bring it to an inquiry."
"Thank you."