Chapter 16: The Doctor’s Visit

The sterile glow of the hospital's fluorescent lights filled the waiting area as they buzzed softly. With clammy palms, I gripped the clipboard of documents and shakily answered the standard questions. Typical. I had made that word my motto. Perhaps if I said it enough, I could persuade myself that this was just another routine exam.

"Amelia Morgan?" I nearly knocked over the clipboard on my lap when I heard the nurse's voice.

I smiled tightly and added, "That's me." Ryan maintained that I didn't need him for this visit because he was at work. I had accepted, telling myself I could manage on my own.

While asking the standard questions and discussing the weather, the nurse escorted me to an examination room. As she fastened the blood pressure cuff on my arm, I gave a robotic response, diverting my attention.

She grinned and wrote notes on her clipboard, saying, "So far, everything looks excellent." "Dr. Patel will arrive soon."