"Mhm."

The thanks are briefly acknowledged, and swiftly moved past, for Levi has no need for them. He didn't choose to walk his path to dry crying eyes and bring smiles to frowning faces. Gratitude will not pay his bills, nor will it bring him closer to his goals. For that, he needs connections, friends in high places that can pull the strings on his behalf. To that end, the opportunity to get into the good books of a gym leader is a blessing he cannot deny, especially one such as Navidson. The doctor can't claim to know him very well, but he knows plenty about him. Gossip comes to you quick when hundreds of faces step into your clinic on any given day. If even half of what he's heard about the man is true, then he wants the self-styled sheriff to owe him as many favours as is possible.

That's not the sole reason he's here, of course. Obligation to his oath means even if he wanted to, he could not deny this task. But beyond even that, it's the thought of that child, afraid and alone and abandoned by those supposed to protect him, that causes his missing eye to ache. It simply will not do.

He's only half listening to Navidson's explanation. When trying to solve a problem, one cannot be bogged down by the preconceptions and biases of others. For a matter as delicate as this, he wants his mind as fresh and unburdened as possible. But, what little he does hear is troubling.

"I see..." Levi mumbles to himself. The symptoms bring to mind a feverish state, but he doubts it's as simple as a mere fever. No, he wouldn't be called out here for something so obvious. People don't call industrial engineers to change lightbulbs, and they don't call practicing doctors to adminster potions. Shutting his eye, he shakes his head. Until he sees the boy for himself, all he can do is manage expectations. "I can make no promises, Mr Navidson, that I can cure what ails the patient. The human body is a miracle of biology, but I am not a miracle worker. I will do what I can, but whether or not that is enough, is another matter entirely."

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Michael Navidson