Seventy-seven-year-old John, a former biker, has been sent to the ER with his wife Brenda after a routine health screening revealed a potentially-deadly “Triple A” (abdominal aortic aneurism) – a dramatic swelling of the main artery that could burst at any moment, making him a “walking timebomb.” The only option is major surgery, which could be dangerous at his age.

In addition, Eileen, a ninety-two-year-old widow, is brought in after falling and Claire – whose boyfriend, a medical student, was instantly killed a year ago while bicycling to a lecture – seeks medical attention with bike injuries of her own.