The Doctor

It is really good that you came now! The doctor grabbed my hand with both his, looking like an insect just before the prey receives its deadly poison. The insect-like expression was enhanced by his glasses which were so thick they made his eyes appear like small dots behind the frames. The others in the waiting room alternated between pretending the scene didn’t happen, looking at me with pity and at the doctor with excitement. Especially when he repeated; it was good that you could come so quickly.

They had called from the doctor’s office about an hour ago and asked if I could come by towards the end of the day. The doctor’s secretary was initially very businesslike, asking date of birth, name, and place of residence. When asked what the doctor’s visit was going to be about, she stuttered a little. It would be great if you could come today. Preferably as soon as possible and if possible before three o’clock.

And so, it came to be that the doctor stood in the middle of the waiting room and held one of my hands with his two. I clung my cell phone that was interlocked in his hands. I was in the process of posting a rather ironic post. He looked at me through the thick glasses with his small pupils. I’ll be back soon – he said and straightened up. Dolan! He suddenly shouted. A person I assumed was Dolan got up and followed the doctor into his office. I posted my ironic comment.

Did the doctor talk to you? I looked up. The medical secretary was standing right in front of me. Did the doctor talk to you? No – I said as if in reflex. He will come and get you soon. As soon as he is free. The waiting room understood the message. I regretted coming. The whole Friday seemed ruined. Even the thrill of leaving work early did not make up for this.

Then it´s you and me. A voice suddenly whispered right into to my ear. It was the doctor who looked as if he had snuck out of his office. I confirmed with a nod – and he replied that it was rare to see me there. How often do you really want to see your GP, I thought.

The doctor started a somewhat rambling monologue where he explained why he wanted to talk to me and a story about the Middle East and something about desert and water. But why this concerned me he never really clarified. At least not in a way I understood the connection, if this was intended to function as a metaphor. In conclusion, he said I should visit him more often. Should I book an appointment for the autumn right now maybe – I replied. Autumn? He said the word as if autumn would not come this year. I think you should book an appointment before the fifteenth of June. I’ll take my summer vacation then.

I booked an appointment for the autumn. I can still cancel it.