𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫 - 𝐌. 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧

I'm checking up on Michael's toes again but he seems distracted and I tell him that.

He simply replies with, "got a lot on my mind I guess."

"Got anything to do with who took these two toes?"

He changes the subject and talks about the flowers I received. "Nice flowers. Do we have an admirer?" he says watching me.

"Only you." I think to myself.

"They're from my father." I tell him instead.

He asks what the occasion is, "it's my birthday." I answer.

"Today?" he questions.

"Yup."

"Happy birthday." he says trying to make eye contact.

"Thanks." I reply simply.

He nods and says, "Okay." to me not caring about my birthday.

"Hm?" I question.

"Nothing, birthdays aren't usually a sore subject, that's all. Unless the celebrant is feeling her age. Which I don't see how you could be."

And he's back to flirty Michael.

"I'm 28 years old Michael. I'm not feeling my age. My father sends me flowers to make up for stuff that happened when I was a kid."

"Flowers that end up dead and in the trash a week later."

"That sounded bitter huh?"

"Kind of." he replies, analyzing me.

"It's not a big deal. You are all set, I'll see you tomorrow."

As he's walking out he says, "I'm sorry you feel that way. About the flowers, I mean."

I just watch him as he leaves after that comment.

...

Michael is back for his shot. He notices the flowers in the trash, "you threw away your flowers."

"Like I said, they don't last."

"I don't think they're dead yet." he seems to joke.

"I don't like getting attached to things if they won't last." I reply seriously.

Michael is an inmate, I am a doctor. What was I doing?

"Why are you so cyncical?" he asks.

"Michael, I think there's cynicism and then there's realism." I reply. I know what he's really asking.

"And then there's optimism, hope, faith."

"This coming from an 8-toed guy locked away in a penitentiary." I quickly reply.

"Toes are overrated." he jokes.

"Thank you for trying to make me smile Michael, but not today." I look down, away from him.