“S-sorry?”

  “You were injured too, weren’t you?” Zoe asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Have you seen a doctor yet?”

  Ever pursed his lips. “No, but-”

  “No buts,” Zoe said, suddenly becoming serious. “I’m a doctor.”

  “You’re not a human doctor.”

  “How dare you!” Zoe said in mock indignation. “I’m absolutely a human! Last time I checked anyway…”

  Ever laughed, relaxing slightly. The day had been strange so far - what was a bit more strangeness?

  “OK.” He stepped back, taking off his checkered long-sleeve flannel, before pulling off his short-sleeve black tee underneath. His hands went to cover his belly button and left side of his chest.

  Mimi, as well as the few ghost animals in the room watched intently as Mimi pivoted around, inspecting the rib area where Ever had been kicked.

  “Tell me if it hurts.” She lay a hand along his rib cage. Ever took a sharp breath in; she jerked her hand away in alarm. “I’m sorry!”

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “No,” Ever said. “It doesn’t hurt. I just…” how did he explain to her that human touch even from a virtual stranger made him feel alive?

  Zoe tentatively lay her hand on the spot again, her gloved fingers even softer than they were before. She dabbed and prodded gently, also shining a light on the discoloration around the area.

  “I’m going to press a bit harder, is that OK?”

  “Mm-hmm.” Ever found himself holding his breath.

  She felt along the length of each rib with her thumb, before stepping away. Ever exhaled.

  “It’s healing nicely. Seems like it’s OK to me.” She crossed her arms, watching as Ever got dressed.

  “Thanks Zoe,” Ever said. He went over to collect Mimi in his arms. “Both Mimi and me-me-” he stopped and started again. “Both me and Mimi,” he said, slowing down, “were a bit anxious, but you’re a good vet.”

  “Well you’re a good man,” Zoe said. Her eyes flickered down to Ever’s hands cradling Mimi looking back up at him. “Like I said, the world needs more people who protect animals not…” her voice trailed off. “Anyway, got the day off from the ice cream store?”

  “Yeah I did. I didn’t know how much time I would need here. Looks like I’m done for the day.”

  The silver-haired golden retriever soul was back. It was bounding around the room, sniffing at Ever. Mimi growled, keeping her brown eyes trained on the spectre. When Ever didn’t react, it jumped off its hind legs towards Zoe. As the soul of the dog fell through her, she definitely took a small side step. He was certain of it.

  She took a step back in the other direction, making it seem like she was just shifting her weight between her feet. She opened her mouth as if to ask a question, then closed it.

  “Did you want to come back some time to get some more sorbet?” Ever asked. “Or maybe try some ice cream instead?”

  Her smile was ochre, dappled light. “I’d like that.”