AMANDA FINALLY FOUND TIME TO MAKE IT BACK downstairs to the pediatric floor. She had just begun obtaining Narolie’s history when she saw a familiar shadow lurking at the door. “Tank, what are you doing here? You could be contagious!” “The nurse said I could take my monitor off when I go use the john—I just decided to find one down here.” Tank sounded defensive but didn’t meet her gaze. He scuffed his slippers. Somehow, despite all the people parading in and out of his room, he seemed lonelier than Narolie. “Hello there,” Narolie said, sounding like the perfect hostess. “Please come in. I’m Narolie Maxeke.” “I’m Tank.” He looked around the room. “Wow, you get this place all to yourself? Way cool. What are you in for?” Narolie frowned. “That is what Dr. Amanda is working to discover. She is the best doctor I have met.” “I know.” Tank seemed aware that he’d said too much and quickly covered with, “She’s okay for a doctor, I guess.” “Tank, you need to be back in your room,”
