Neverchance & Happenstance

Doctors and Yarn

Chase Thompson looked up at the sky, taking an extra minute that he could afford, to stare at the two magpies chasing one another under the sun. He dragged his gaze back down and continued on the well-used sidewalk to the town infirmary. The bell chimes as he opens the door, alerting the secretary, Sarah.

“Good morning Chase. Right on the dot.” She commented, pointing the clock mounted on the wall. Nine o’clock sharp.

“Same as every other morning. Maybe I’ll plan on being late tomorrow?” He said casually, leaning on the counter.

“Not if you want to keep your job young man.” A deep bass voice commented from behind Chase.

“I guess that plan is gone. Good morning Dr. Fields.” He winked at Sarah before following the doctor into the office. Peeling off his leather jacket, he throws a bleach white doctor coat over his khaki pants and blue shirt. He checked his reflection to make sure he looked presentable.

“You look fine, my boy. You are only going to be helping the elder people today.” Dr. Fields chuckles.

“I see how it is. Keep me away from any possible wives. What would Mrs. Fields say?” Chase joking threw back, knowing the next line. They did this every day.

“She would tell me ‘Good for you, Dr. Fields’.” He said grabbing a stethoscope for him and one for his apprentice.

“Of course she would.” They walked out of the small office and grabbed customer sheets from Sarah, Chase making a face when he picked up his.

“Don’t make that face, boy. At least you are not treating a patient’s puss filled gout.” The elder man said without turning around.

As soon as he ended that sentence the door chimed and in walked Mrs. Steele, Chase’s first patient.

“Good morning Mrs. Steele. How are you doing this fine morning?”

“Quite fine, thank you.” She followed Chase to room two and he held the door open for his elder.

“Okay, so it says here you have a small ear ache along with a minor headache?”

“Yes. My left ear started hurting two days past and my headache started yesterday around lunch time. I was enjoying a wonderful tea with Ms. Johns; she has been in a dump since her husband died. About half way through, the headache just came on.” Chase patiently listened as the frail old lady recounted her idea of what’s wrong.

“Well, Mrs. Steele, have you had allergies in the past?”

“Yes, when I was a young adult.”

“Mhm. I’m going to prescribe some allergy medicine. As bodies get older, some things pop up or come back. I believe it was Mr. Douglas who suddenly acquired a terrible nut allergy at seventy-one. Just took a bite of a pecan nut cookie and swelled up.”

“My word!”

“It was pretty bad, but thankfully his wife had the presence of mind to give him some allergy medicine.”

“Yes, very lucky indeed.” He quickly signed his name and offered his arm to his first patient.

“Now, take that to Sarah and she will call the Pharmacy to make sure they have it ready for you. Have a good day now.” He picked up the next sheet and called the next person to the back.

The sun was hanging low on the horizon by the time Chase stepped out of the now empty building. He pulled his collar closer to his neck and started walking to the diner.

He looked at the faces through the windows as he walked closer, searching for one face in particular. He stepped into the diner and a wave of apple pie and coffee hit him along with the familiar chatter of his neighbors.