'Louise, I need a ride to the doctor.'

‘Louise, listen.’ John breathed heavily through his pain, resting his arm on the bed for some relief, leaning down to her level. ‘Something’s wrong. I’m in a lot of pain, and I need someone to take me to the doctor.’

‘So, what? You want me to take you?’ Louise had barely opened her eyes since waking, and her dark, messy hair had fallen over one of them. ‘You can’t drive yourself? Or get Rachel to take you?’ she said, mocking his girlfriend’s name.

‘I don’t want to wake her, and I’m in no condition,’ John paused, feeling the pain again, ‘to drive.’

She finally opened her eyes and looked at her big brother, examining just how likely it was that what he claimed was the truth. John winced in pain and looked at his sister, unable to convey with words just how serious the problem felt, pleading with his eyes.

‘So you can wake me, but not your girlfriend?’ Louise flopped back into her pillows and pulled the blanket up to her chin. ‘I’m tired, dude. Get someone else to take you.’