Habak ni Doctor Quack

Chapter 3

The morning light streamed through the windows of Doctor Quack's clinic as Pipoy swept the floor, humming a little tune to himself. The quiet morning felt like a gift after the chaos of the previous day. No mysterious men, no possessed patients, and most importantly—no hiccups. Pipoy hoped it would stay that way.

But just as he began to relax, a sharp rap on the door shattered the peace.

Doctor Quack, sitting behind his cluttered desk and fiddling with a new concoction, looked up. "Who could that be so early?" he muttered, glancing at Pipoy.

Pipoy shrugged, leaning his broom against the counter. "Maybe just someone with a simple cold? Or a sore throat?"

As if summoned by the mere mention of a visitor, the door swung open with dramatic flair. In walked Miss Perla, the infamous town gossip, wearing a brightly colored dress and a wide-brimmed hat that seemed more suited for a beauty pageant than a medical consultation. She had an air of self-importance as she swayed her hips with every step, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Doctor Quack! Pipoy!" Miss Perla sang out, her voice high and melodic, though it carried an undeniable sharpness. "Oh, I've come to you for a matter of utmost importance! I simply cannot take this any longer!"

Doctor Quack rose from his chair, offering her a polite smile. "Miss Perla, how may we help you today? I assume you're here for something health-related?"

Miss Perla batted her eyelashes dramatically, pressing a hand to her forehead as if she were about to swoon. "Oh, Doctor, the headaches! They've become unbearable!" She sighed heavily, though Pipoy couldn't help but notice her eyes darting around the room, clearly searching for something—or someone—to gossip about.

Doctor Quack gestured to the patient chair. "Please, have a seat. Let's see what we can do for these headaches."

Miss Perla took her seat, crossing her legs elegantly and adjusting her hat. Pipoy couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't really about any headache. Miss Perla had a reputation for dropping by under the guise of illness just to pry into other people's business. And, judging by the way she kept glancing around, it was clear she had a mission today.

As Doctor Quack leaned over to check her pulse, Miss Perla spoke up, her voice laced with interest. "So, Doctor, I heard from Mrs. Santiago that her husband had a bit of an episode yesterday. Quite the scene, they say! And you, Doctor, of course, handled it with that special touch of yours. Oh, you must tell me everything—poor Mrs. Santiago was beside herself!"

Pipoy, standing near the counter, narrowed his eyes. "Miss Perla, I thought you came in for your headaches?"

Miss Perla's eyes twinkled mischievously as she waved her hand. "Oh, the headaches, yes, yes. But you know, a little information can cure many things."

Doctor Quack chuckled, gently patting her on the wrist. "Well, Miss Perla, my consultations are about health matters, not rumors. But if you're truly in pain, I think I have something for you."

Miss Perla sat up straight, feigning a look of concern. "Oh yes, Doctor. The pain, it's just unbearable! It keeps me up at night, you know." She let out a dramatic sigh. "You wouldn't believe the people I've heard from in the past few days. Mr. Delgado—oh, you remember him? Well, his wife is convinced he's sneaking out at night to visit the cantina! And the butcher's daughter? Apparently, she's been seen with that no-good carpenter boy."

Doctor Quack nodded, only half-listening as he moved toward his shelves filled with herbal remedies. "I see. Well, Miss Perla, I think I have just the thing for your headaches. You'll feel better in no time."