Thirty-four. And then it happenned—his voice breaks.

A sharp inhale. A small sob as he tries to steady his breath.

He gets the words out—”Thank you, Madam”—but it’s shaky.

Madam paused.

Jessica, her medical consultant, is already moving. She’s on stage, crouching beside duckie, checking him over.

duckie is shaking his head no, no, no. He doesn’t want to stop.

Jessica is offering him water. He takes it, drinks, but his eyes are locked on Madam. She’s watching the exchange, waiting.

Jessica speaks to Madam—duckie is good to continue.

Madam smiles.

She takes the rod back.

And she keeps going.