Topher didn't hear the door or Mel enter at first due to coughing, so he started a bit when she said his name. He blinked at her with blood-shot eyes before a small shake of his head. "I'm fine, Mel.." he mumbled, his voice croaky from coughing and the deep breaths he took before speaking were hard to disguise.
The doctor gave a small shake of his head and blinked slowly. "Mari's busy. Plus she's.. in cano territory.. that's a long way to walk." He didn't want to do any walking. It was tiring. Besides, it was cold outside.