The motorcycle project remained on hold.
Ellie wasn't pleased.
One afternoon, she asked Mark whether Doc had forgotten her.
He looked up from the book he was reading.
"Why would you think that?"
"Because he hasn't come over."
Mark closed the book.
"He's giving you time to feel better."
Ellie frowned.
"Is he scared of germs?"
Mark smiled.
"Maybe a little."
She shook her head.
"Motorcycle men aren't scared of germs."
Mark laughed.
"Oh, you'd be surprised."
Ellie looked toward the window.
"Can we call him?"
Mark glanced toward Rachel.
She nodded.
A few minutes later, Doc answered the telephone.
"Doc's Motorcycle Repair."
Ellie smiled.
"Hello, Harley man."
The biker froze.
Then his face broke into a grin.
"Well, hello there, Princess."
Ellie giggled.
"Are you fixing motorcycles?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Are you fixing mine?"
Doc paused.
"I'm working on some questions about it."
Ellie considered that.
"Does it have a pink seat?"
He smiled.
"We're hoping it will."
"Does it have a place for Mr. Bumblebee?"
Doc looked toward the small patch Hank had brought.
"That's on the list."
Ellie nodded.
"Good."
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then the little girl asked quietly, "Are you mad because I got sick?"
Doc felt something painful move through his chest.
"No, sweetheart."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
She looked toward her father.
"Sometimes people get sad when I can't do stuff."
Doc closed his eyes.
He understood.
"Listen to me, Ellie."
She waited.
"You don't have to do anything to make me happy."
The little girl frowned.
"Nothing?"
"Nothing."
"Not even ride the motorcycle?"
"Not even that."
Ellie considered his answer.
Then she smiled.
"Okay."
Doc looked toward the unfinished vehicle.
"All I want is for you to feel better and have a good day."
Ellie nodded.
"I had pudding."
Doc laughed.
"Well, that's a pretty good start."
She grinned.
"Chocolate."
"Even better."
Then she asked, "Will you come see me when I'm stronger?"
Doc looked toward the workshop.
"I'll ask your mom."
Ellie smiled.
"Okay."
When the call ended, Doc remained sitting beside the phone.
He had spent weeks trying to build something extraordinary.
But the most important thing he had said to Ellie that afternoon had nothing to do with motorcycles.
He had told her she didn't have to earn anyone's love by being brave, entertaining, or grateful.