I'm fiddling with the Today part of the challenge
That call--"He's in the ER, get down here."
I snap his name to the first uniformed person I see. Half a dozen people point to the closed double doors that lead to the ER proper. Amy's touch on my shoulder slows me down long enough for the electric eye to pick up my approach and start opening the doors.
"Ma'am, there's the paperwork--"
My head swivels and I meet a minion's eyes. The minion squeaks and drops the clipboard. The doors open and I hear his voice, in pain. Next thing, I'm holding his hand and doctors and nurses are going, "Uh, you're not supposed to be in here."
I glance at them, tuck myself into a corner away from the machines, and watch until he's better. Three hours in, they ask Amy if there's any way she can get me out of there. She laughs.
Thanks Bev!
Turns out I can't respond to my own challenge.
I think I'm pleased that I had fodder to work with.
Connie, I love that. It's painful and very real.
Deena I'm glad it helped. And Connie, is it wrong that in addition to totally empathizing with you (cause I had someone I love in the med system too) I laughed?
Those are both so vivid.
I didn't think I'd have one for this topic, but I seem to
People I Did Not Kill Today
I keep a small bottle of arsenic in my apron pocket. It keeps my spirits up. All those customers who swear they said “latte” when I know they said “espresso”, or forgot to request soy, or think orders take less time to fill when they're in a hurry, well, they get an extra sweet smile as I say “Have a nice day” and think “I just saved your life”.
It's a real boon to customer service, my secret extra shot. I hardly ever even take it out, just knowing it's there is enough. Usually.
very nice, -t. Put a big grin on my face.
is it wrong that in addition to totally empathizing with you (cause I had someone I love in the med system too) I laughed
Oh, no problem. That day has entered the legends of my circle of friends.
Oh lovely -t. I like that.
Thanks, guys. I'm glad y'all like. It's a little frightening how quickly and completely that one came to me
That's actually not a bad idea, at least as a fantasy. You could carry a little bottle with a handmade label: "Iocaine Powder", with curlicues and scrollwork, and fill it with baking soda or powdered sugar. Just to have it with you and tell yourself you *could* use it, if sufficiently provoked, might be enough to offset most troublesome patrons.
Well-written too, -t!
