Inachevé

Thirty-one - Dr. McDobbs, We Are Having Some Troubles

Every person with a steady job usually, if not always, remembers their first day working.  Oh, the pounding heart, the beads of cold sweat, the moist armpits, and the strong awareness of your “tight” shirt collar.  Yes, sir, that was me on my first day at St. Marvin’s Clinic and Counseling.  I was twenty –four at the time with a degree in psychology and marriage counseling.  Don’t ask me how I became so interested in it, perhaps it was because my parents have divorced and my brother was in an insane asylum (on account that he spoke to himself), or because I enjoyed seeing people happy.  Whatever the reason, I enjoyed learning about the human and all the emotions involved to certain behaviors.  I’ve never really though about how insecure, fearful, proud, and creative us humans are; I marvel at how much we worry, yet the Lord God gave us dominion over the mute beasts and birds...such complex creatures we are.

Anyway, upon arriving at St. Marvin’s, I felt quite at home.  Everyone was very friendly; the ladies were charming, the men were pleasant, and some of the patients acknowledged my existence by waving or snapping the air frantically with their fingers like the poor mad men they are...pity.  well, after adjusting to my new environment and routine, I was presented my first appointment on my fourth day at the clinic.

I must admit, I was both equally excited and nervous.  In case you are wondering, I am quite a placid young man, who has no intentions of threatening even the smallest of things.  I’m understanding, agreeable, sweet, and firm (only when necessary), and overall, mild-tempered.  As far physique, well, let’s leave it at that I am extraordinarily tall, six feet-four to be exact, and has a very distinctive voice.  Oh!  My name?  Forgive me, how careless.  My name is Doctor Harrison McDobbs.  I prefer to be called “Harry.”  “Doctor” is much too high and mighty sounding for me. 

Now, what you are about to read is a rather humorous tale about my three day session with a young married couple, who, in fact, are now very amiable friends of mine.  They have given my full permission to share their account with you.  So, care to join me?  *Clears throat* Starting on May 11th, 1953.

==

It was an ordinary, sunny morning here in Florida; not a cloud in sight when I sat waiting in my office for the couple.  From what I gained from their brief profile, it sounded as if they were newly-weds who had had their first quarrel.  I smiled a sealed smile at the thought.  At 9:00 sharp, I heard the rattling of the elevator come to a jolting stop outside in the hall.  I removed my gangly legs from my desk and began straightening things up.  I smoothed my already flattened hair nervously, and then stopped when I came across my full-length mirror; I had pressed my fine hair so flat that it clung to my scalp in the most unattractive way!  I gently and methodically sculpted my hair into a fuller look.

I straightened my waistcoat and swung on my dad’s old, tweed jacket.  I needed a new one dreadfully, but my budget made it clear that I had to wait another five months or so.  After making my room presentable, I stood behind my desk with a pen in my hand and waited.  I tapped the pen anxiously against my flat palm before resting the pen in the convenient space between my head and ear.  I picked up another pen and eyed the clock: 9:10.  How long did it take to get off the elevator?  I slipped the second pen into the same spot on the other side of my head.  I tapped my foot impatiently and scratched the back of my neck.

I caught sight of my intercom and used it immediately.  “Hello, Dorothy?  This is Harry.  Do you...or have you seen...a young couple step off the elevator?  Oh, I see.  Well, after she retrieves her stole, send them in, will you?  Thank you, sweetie.”  I released the button and sighed with relief.  Clasping my hands together to hold back the excitement, I let out another smile and took my seat.  I didn’t warm the seat for very long, as I was startled to my feet by several staccato knocks on my door.