Evan was always the one laughing, the first to fill any silence and always surrounded by friends he loved like family. That’s why he worked so well as a firefighter- loyal, brave, and easy to hang out with for long shift. Today was no exception, as he joked around waiting for the captains briefing.

“Morning everyone, thanks for starting the day with a meeting. I know none of us want to delay getting the our first coffee!”

The Captain’s jokes were never funny, but Evan laughed anyway, just enjoying being around his second family.

“Now,” Captain continued, “I know some of you have heard two firefighters had some kind of reaction to the smoke in a recent callout. Both are fine, only showing minor symptoms thanks to quick medical care. Those of you who attended the same call are expected to get a doctor’s note saying that you’re not affected and good to go back to work before we can let you respond to any more emergencies.”

Eddie, another firefighter, raised his hand, but didn’t wait to be called. “How long do they want us to sit around here? My doctors takes weeks to get an appointment!”

Captain nodded “The department has already worked that out. They’ve sent a doctor who is currently setting up in our Fire Marshall’s office for today. Anyone who wants to get this out of the way ASAP and without any paperwork to get reimbursed, I can give out slots with her.”

All Evan heard was ‘without any paperwork’, which was enough to convince him to do just about anything. After the other updates he went straight up to his Captain.

“Don’t worry Evan, only three people from this shift were at that call, but since you’re so eager you can go get checked out first.”

“Checked out?” Buck asked. “I thought you said a doctor had to sign some form?”

Buck was kind, but at 23 he was still naive. He made up for that in physical fitness, probably the most muscular guy in his firehouse.

“Yes Evan, that’s what a doctor does to sign you off. I’m sure she’ll explain all the details anyway. Go head up and you’ll be first.”

Evan was starting to realise what he had signed up for, but dutifully walked to the Fire Marshalls office and knocked on the door.

A knock on the door interrupted Dr Shaw from organising the office.

“Come in, it’s open! Hi there, what’s your name?”

Evan looked around at the nearly transformed space. The desk was in it’s usual spot in the corner, but the chairs removed to make space for an exam table. Deep green plastic was mostly covered by white paper, with it’s back propped up to an angle.

“I’m Buckley, Evan Buckley? My Captain said to come here…”

He trailed off still looking around the room. The usual contents of the desk were still there, but a lot of other stuff was there too. Medical stuff? Evan wasn’t sure.

The most notable change was the grumpy and grey fire marshal was replaced by a smiling woman. Dressed in a black turtle neck, black pants, she only looked about 28.

“Hi Evan, I’m Dr Shaw. You’re the first today, I’m sorry I haven’t quite finished setting up. Can you give me about 10 minutes and come back?”

As he was talking, Dr Shaw was closing the blinds on the window. Why? Nobody is likely to see in the second story window.

“Sure thing, sorry Doc!”