Dr Shaw knocked at the door of the house and was quickly greeted by Beth.

“Thank you for coming, I don’t know what to think. I’m not sure whether I should be worried he is really sick or worried he is just trying to avoid taking the finals… But if he misses them without a doctors note the school told me he would fail, and it’s so hard to get a last minute appointment anywhere…”

“I’m glad I can help. Before we see Tyler why don’t you give me a medical history so it’s quicker during the exam.”

Beth nodded and made a pot of coffee for them both while she gave the details of every previous ailment, prescription, and a through family history. Dr Shaw wasn’t surprised, Beth had always been a worrier, which she knew from their book club gatherings. “And last night he barely ate any dinner, which of course is unusual for a teenage boy, but I figured he had had just eaten something on the way home from practice. Not even studying for a math final will keep him from swimming. But then this morning he said he wasn’t feeling well either, something in his tummy.”

“That’s great Beth, those details really helped.” Dr Shaw gave a reassuring smile. “Why don’t we go in and see how Tyler is doing now and I can have a look.” Beth led the doctor upstairs, knocking on a bedroom door but not waiting for a response before going inside. The doctor waited in the hall, just out of sight, holding her large leather bag.

“Tyler, I know you said you’re not feeling well. When I called the school they said any missed finals need a medical cert if you want to make them up.” Tyler rolled over in bed to face his mother as she spoke. “So… Do I make an appointment somewhere?” He asked.

“Oh I called the paediatricians office and since you turned 18 they won’t see you anymore. I tried to get you an adult appointment but they have a bit of a wait to see new patients. Instead I asked my friend to see if she had some time…” Dr Shaw stepped into the room, dressed in straight black trousers and a long sleeve turtleneck that hugged every curve. She gave Tyler a friendly smile as he scrambled sit up, running his fingers through his hair to try and tame his bed head in front of this stranger.