My sister a dentist my brother a doctor

Checkups

ANDREA'S POV

Austin didn't waste any time, immediately shifting to his professional mode as he said, "Okay, let's get these checkups done. Mom, back up here, please."

I sighed heavily, the thought of going through another round of medical exams making me feel even more exhausted. But I didn't have much choice, so I forced myself to get back on the table. The whole morning had been a series of small, uncomfortable steps, and I was just eager for it to be over.

"We're more than halfway through," Austin said, his voice trying to sound reassuring as he flashed me a soft, almost apologetic smile. "So, if it makes you feel any better, the worst is behind you."

I managed a small smile in return, although it didn't do much to ease my nerves.

"Yeah, I guess," I muttered, trying to look at the situation from a more positive angle.

But I couldn't shake the lingering unease about having my son be the one to care for me in this way. It was a bizarre feeling, like I was seeing him as an adult in real time. I wasn't sure I was quite ready to accept the fact that he was the one now in charge of my health.

"It won't be that bad from here, I promise," Austin said, his tone both professional and warm, as he picked up the otoscope from the tray.

His movements were smooth and confident, and it made me feel like I could trust him—even if it did feel a little strange.

"Can you open your mouth for me quickly?" Austin asked, his voice soft but firm.

I opened my mouth and let him peer inside, my throat feeling dry under the weight of his gaze. He inspected everything carefully and methodically. After a moment, he straightened and nodded.

"Alright, now go ahead and lay down, and I'll just feel your stomach."

I hesitated but then obeyed, lying back on the table, trying to relax. His hands were warm as they gently pressed against my stomach, feeling for any abnormalities. There was something surreal about all of this the way my son moved so easily from taking my temperature to giving me a physical exam. It was as if I was watching a stranger perform an intimate task, and yet, it was so familiar. I couldn't get used to it, and a small part of me wasn't sure I ever would.

"Alright, you can sit up now," Austin said, bringing me back to reality. "I'll just check your reflexes, and we'll be all done."

I sat up slowly, trying to shake off the strange feeling that had been hanging over me all morning. Austin tapped the small reflex hammer against my knees and checked my movements, and I noticed how easy it was for him to be both a son and a professional in this space. I was proud of him, of course, but it was still difficult to reconcile this Austin with the little boy I used to chase around the house. Once he was satisfied, he let me step off the table.

"That's it, Mom. You're all finished," he said, offering another of his soft smiles.

I felt a mixture of relief and a bit of lingering discomfort. It was strange to be cared for by my own child, but at least he knew what he was doing. As much as I had been dreading this, it was over now, and I could move on with my day. Taylor and Scott had already finished their checkups without much fuss, but as soon as Amelia's turn came up, she immediately clung to Taylor, retreating behind her like she was seeking safety. Taylor, being the calm and patient person she was, didn't hesitate for a moment. She slid onto the table and sat with Amelia in her lap, holding her close and whispering soft reassurances. It was amazing to see how they worked together how Taylor just knew what Amelia needed, offering her the comfort and support she couldn't get from anyone else. I watched the scene unfold with a mix of pride and gratitude. Seeing Taylor step in and help Amelia through her checkup made me realize just how much my daughter depended on her. It wasn't just the medical side of things; it was the emotional support too. Taylor was always there, steady and calm, like a rock Amelia could rely on. Despite Amelia's initial resistance, she eventually calmed down enough to go through the exam with Taylor's guidance. It wasn't easy for her, but she made it through. And soon enough, we were all done with the checkups. The tension in the room began to lift as we wrapped up the final bits of paperwork and checked off the boxes on the list.

"Alright, now that that's all finished, let's head over to my office," Taylor said, breaking the silence and motioning toward the door.

"It's just on the other side of the plaza, so we can walk over together."

The thought of moving to the next phase of our day made me feel a little lighter, though part of me still felt the weight of everything we'd just gone through. It had been a lot to handle all at once, but we were making it through as a family. And as much as I might have dreaded the morning's events, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride in how everyone had handled things. We made our way out of the exam room and into the waiting area, where I saw other patients moving about, going through their own checkups and appointments. The waiting room was calm, and the atmosphere seemed a lot more relaxed compared to the nervous energy that had permeated our side of the office. It was still a little surreal to me this whole idea of having a family full of doctors and healthcare professionals but at least I knew we were in good hands. As we walked across the plaza, the sun was starting to rise higher in the sky, casting a warm glow across the sidewalk. The walk wasn't far, just a quick jaunt across to Taylor's office, but I could feel my steps slowing as I thought about the rest of the day ahead. We were all tired, but there was something soothing about knowing we were close to wrapping everything up.

"You alright, Mom?" Taylor asked, glancing back at me as I slowed my pace.

She reached out to give me a gentle touch on the arm, offering that familiar sense of reassurance. I nodded, offering a small smile in return.

"Yeah, just thinking. But I'm glad it's almost over."

"Same here," she said, her tone light but understanding. "One more step, and then we can all relax for a bit."

As we made our way toward the door of her office, I took a deep breath. There was a part of me that was still on edge, but I knew that we were nearly done with the hardest part. With a family like ours full of love and support, even in moments like this I knew that whatever came next, we would handle it together.