‘That is possibly just enough time for an initial test. I think we’ll go with the NAT test. The most expensive, and the results will take a few days. I can give you a finger prick test right now, but you will still need a follow-up. So, no, I think pointless, and unnecessarily concerning, and revealing ultimately nothing conclusive, so—’

He was talking to himself, really, not Ever. As usual. But with consideration.

‘And after the NAT test you will need a follow-up after six weeks, for complete accuracy. And then again in six months.’

‘Six months?’

‘To be absolutely sure. Yes. But in the meantime, you can be on the alert for what is usually described as the worst ever flu-type symptoms. Sore throat, swollen glands, sweating etc. The body’s initial immune reaction to the virus, and then a dormant period.’

Ever had a weak moment.

And with that, Dr Aran put both his hands to the side of Ever’s neck to feel his glands and took a temperature check.

‘But I haven’t seen you for—’

He checked his records.

‘My goodness, Ever, nearly three years, so I’m going to give you a full medical. Temperature normal. But your pulse is high. What are you taking, medication-wise?’

‘Nothing.’

Lied Ever.

He always did, lie that is.

‘But I always get checked by my doctor in London, you know.’

Ever volunteered with a vague lack of concern.

‘But he’s not me, and they miss things there, they don’t check like I do.’

There was a humour in Dr Aran’s reply. And a finality.

The process of blood extraction was started by the nurse who had escorted him in; she had been taking notes in the corner, practised in invisibility.

‘I’ll be right back.’

The bloods were done; as the nurse left with the vials and her notes as to what to do with them, Dr Aran returned and asked Ever to drop his pants for the digital rectal examination.

‘Even in one so young.’

Was Dr Aran’s comment.

Lube, a finger and a wipe-down.

‘Small and smooth, fine. All done.’

And the nurse, as if on cue, returned for the muscle testing, arm extension, press down, to check for the supplements that he might need.

‘What have you been doing Ever?’

He placed various bottles of supplements on his body, one after the other, and muscle tested him with each one to detect possible depletion in his organs, thus finding the relevant supplement that might revitalise his system.

‘Your adrenals are shot.’

That is usually the case, to be fair, Ever thought.

‘But your heart is racing here, stress levels are high. Wait, I’m going to give you the finger prick test just to see where we are.’

The nurse went for the necessary equipment.