I slide into the seat as carefully as I can.He shuts the door and goes around to the driver’s side.A second later, he’s beside me, starting the engine.
“I’ll soak your car,” I mutter.
“What do I care?”
He pulls out of the car park and onto the road.“You’re a dickhead.”
“Wasn’t I an idiot?”
“And an arsehole.”
“I deserve the lot.”
“At least you know.”
“About the other night…”
“Not now.I’m bringing you home.You’re going to let me take care of you, and you’re not going to make a fuss.”
“Yes, Doctor.”
“I’m not messing.”
“I’m in your hands,” I say.It’s so fucking true, I just close my eyes and hope his magic hands might work on me too.
As soon aswe step inside the house, the Doctor orders me to take off my clothes.
“Are you trying to take advantage of me?”
“I’m trying to keep you from getting hypothermia.”
“My health is not your problem.”
“It is.You stood out in the rain because of me.”His tone is full of reproach.I’m not sure whether it’s directed at me or at himself, but I don’t like either way.
“Don’t act like you’re so important, Doctor,” I snap.
“You’re already starting to get delirious.”He doesn’t flinch.“Get out of those clothes; I’ll grab you some towels and a thermometer.”
The Doctor leaves me alone in his kitchen.I hear him fiddling, opening doors, and slamming drawers.I remain standing, one hand braced on a chair, unable to move or fully grasp what is happening.I feel weak, aching, and not quite present, as if I’m about to lose consciousness.
When the Doctor returns, I can no longer see him clearly, nor can I make out what he’s saying.My vision is clouded, and his voice sounds distant, like something from a dream.I try to follow it, to reach out to him, but I am confused and exhausted.I extend a hand towards that fading image and take a few steps, but then fatigue, sleep, and my own confusion take over, and I fall into a black void.
I open my eyes,something cool resting on my forehead.I turn my head to the side and a dazzling light forces them shut again.
I’m dead.Or maybe I’m dying.Someone up there is showing me the way.
Wait.I don’t believe in anything.How is that possible?
I open my eyes again, ignoring the jackhammer in my skull, and finally realise where the light is coming from.
“Am I dead?”
“What an idiot.”
“Are you my guardian angel, come to save my damned soul?”
“I’m your doctor.”His words shake through me.“I’m here to save your arse.Someone else will take care of your soul.”
