But you're brave. I can't say I know of many others who would be.

[ John smiles at Ben and takes Ben's arm, dabbing near the elbow with the cotton, cleaning the area of any bacteria before picking up the syringe and pushing the needle into his vein, drawing out a small sample of his blood, which he then deposits almost immediately into the last empty vial on his rack. He makes certain to bandage the small wound he made and give Ben an apologetic smile. ]

Would you like my mobile number? Just in case there are any sudden changes or anything?

It's nice to have that little bit of extra protection, even if all it does is make you feel safer.

[ He removes his gloves and deposits them in the bin. ]

They won't let you have one here?

That, I can understand a bit better. I prefer a pistol, myself. Do you hunt? Perhaps there's some sort of work-around for sportsmen.

That may be true, but I scarcely think we're in much danger of running out, here. There's a lovely shooting range here on the island. It might do you good to get out and get some practise in. They may even have rentals.

If they'll allow me to, sure. Maybe I can get some time in, myself. It's been some time since I've been down there. [ He smiles and folds his arms, leaning back against the counter. ]

Have you got any questions for me before I release you into the wild?

[ Without knowing anything conclusively, there wasn't really anything that he could recommend off hand. He thought a moment. ]

Did it seem to be helping? Did he recommend anything in particular?

[ There's an interesting look on John's face as he tries to puzzle out the meaning of that combination. However, without being a nutritionist, he can't exactly figure it out. He shakes his head. ]

I don't see anything wrong with Thai food, I suppose, but I can't seem to think of any specific benefits. And what's happening to your skin.. it's not acne, that's for sure. If it wasn't helping before, let's try a period without either one, see what happens. Are you all right with that?

Don't go overboard. We still have your overall health to worry about, after all. But at least this way, we can get you off coconut milk and peanut sauce for a while. Make you feel more yourself. We'll try a two week trial, see how it goes. I want you to report back here for another exam. After I get a good idea of how this is behaving, I promise it'll be less frequent if it needs to be. But for now, I think we're done.

[ He takes a step over to Ben and extends his hand, a kind smile on his lips. ]

I thank you for this opportunity.

Don't thank me just yet. This is still very preliminary. I've got to have a look at the samples that I just took, and see if I can't convince my flatmate to help. He's.. a sort of genius when it comes to obscure and random knowledge. ..But I suppose you know that. Most people do. [ And not a single person had even read his blog. ]