THE APPOINTMENT

So, I finally call and make my annual doctor’s appointment.

The Young Man on the phone sounded like he’d like to be anywhere other than here. He’s going through the motions, just doing his job. So at the end of the call I said, “Thank you for helping me, I wish you could go home now.” (It’s not even noon.) He exhales, his tone softens just a bit and he says, “So do I.”

I said, “I know you do. I can hear it in your voice.” He quickly apologizes and says, he hopes he didn’t come off wrong. I said, “No, not at all. I just know how *I* sound when I’m ready to be done for the day.” We start laughing with that shared ‘you-know-how-it-is energy.’ And then I said, “It doesn’t mean anything but just know there’s a stranger out here who wishes it for you.” (I swear I could hear him smiling.)

I thanked him again. He thanked me. And it was a pleasure to hear some “light” come into his voice by the end of the call.

Now, if only I’d written down when my appointment is.