Under the Mango Tree: 101 Tales (5)

SHE LIED

Challenge No.92 - A Lie.

Write a scene or story that involves a lie. How far does the lie go? What will characters do to hide—or reveal—the truth?

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Mitali Krishna was at work when the phone call had come, the news wasn't good, but just how bad she was about to find out. The doctor, rightly so, refused to discuss such personal matters over the phone. Now here she was in the waiting room - waiting. She'd always found the area to be accommodating, a tad antiseptic with magazines no one wanted to read on the table. Today, Mitali was fighting an overwhelming sense of claustrophobia, coupled with a hefty dose of impatience.

She'd asked her Boss for the rest of the day off. "Family emergency." She'd lied. Since Mitali wasn't one to ask for time off, if she needed to get something done she'd take a day off her vacation time; the Boss was inclined to grant the request.

Now here she was waiting. What was taking so long! It felt like forever since the person before her had been called in! In reality, it was thirty minutes before the receptionist called.

"Mitali Krishna?"

"Yes?"

"Doctor will see you now."

"Thank you."

The office Mitali entered was even starker than the lobby. No warm reception here.

"Mitali! Have a seat."

She did so and watched the Doctor double-check her file.

"When was your last check-up?"

"I don't remember, maybe two years ago?" She lied.

"Mmmmm, your file says five years, but that means nothing. You could have gone elsewhere."

"Ah." Mitali was noncommittal.

"Any of these symptoms?"

"Pelvic pain?"

"No."

"Belly pain?"

"No."

"Trouble eating or feeling full quickly?"

"No."

"Urinary symptoms, like you have to go?"

Mitali was going to say 'no' but felt that this was one 'no' too many. "I do find I have to pee often."

The Doctor took notes.

"Come on Gina. What's with all the questions? My imagination is racing. What's wrong?"

Gina leaned back in her chair. "There's really no gentle way to say this to people. We've detected a cancer. Ovarian cancer to be precise. Because of the time between check-ups... well..."

Mitali nodded stunned. "Advanced?"

"I'm afraid so. But we're going to fight this!" Gina now leaned forward. There is Chemotherapy and Surgery. Because of what the tests are revealing, we could opt for surgery."

'What's this WE thing!' Mitali thought. But said. "Let me think about it."

"Sure. But we need to deal with this Mitali."

"Yes. Yes. I'll make an appointment to come back." She lied. "It's a lot to digest."

"I know." Gina held out a card. "This is the contact for Friends of Cancer. They're there if you need to talk."

"Thank you."

"Don't forget to make the appointment as you leave."

"Sure. I'll do it now." She lied. She paid her bill and walked out the door.

She wandered the streets of Vieux Fort City on autopilot, somehow not colliding with anyone as her thoughts raced. Then she heard her name. She turned. "Hey, Odika, long time no see."

"That's true. How you doing?"

"Me? I'm fine." She lied.

© 31 May 2022