#FridayFlash: Possible Hims for Origin

"Possible Hims for Origin"

by Tony Noland

"What about him, Orry? He's cute."

"I'm sure I saw him checking you out. Go talk to him, Orry. What have you got to lose?"

"Origin, I have someone I want you to meet. Come on, I'll introduce you to him."

"So? What did you think of him? What do you mean, 'who'? Jesus, Orry, don't be so dense, I mean *him*, the medical student!"

"Oh, I'm sure Origin would be happy to show him around. They'll have lots in common."

"Did he call you? Well, did you call him? Why on earth not, Origin?"

"Origin Elizabeth, don't you dare speak to me that way. Heaven knows I don't ask for much in this world, and if it's too much trouble for you to pick him up from the airport, just say so. I was only trying to help. I thought you'd appreciate a chance to get to know him, to spend some time with someone your own age. You're not getting any younger, you know. And here I am without a single grandchild."

"Excuse me, Miss Origin Bates? I'm Dr. Fleichmann, the oncology resident? I'm sorry, we're running a little behind. Dr. Wenkler will see you in just a few minutes. You can wait for him right in here."

"All right, Origin, what we're looking at is your left breast. This is a PET scan image. It's sort of like a CAT scan, but more precise. Now, what I want you to look at is this shadowy area. See him right here?"

"Thank God your father isn't alive, Origin. He loved you so much, this would kill him. And you, all alone in the world."

"Orry? Orry, honey? Father Conahaugh is here. Please see him, honey, he just wants to pray with you. Please, sweetheart, for me? Do it for me?"

"UltraUnited MediCare, this is Tammy, thank you for holding. Miss, uh, Origin, I spoke with... oh, I beg your pardon, Miss Bates. Anyway, I spoke with your InsuriCo representative, a Mr. Thomas Jackson? He said there were a few things they had to straighten out before they could process your claim. He asked you to give him a call. In the meantime, would you like to give me a credit card number so we can take care of your bill?"

"Dr. Wenkler's office, may I help you? I'm sorry, Dr. Wenkler is with a patient right now, can I have him give you a call back? And could you spell that please? O-R-I-G-I-N B-A-T-E-S? Thank you. And does he have your number?"

"Origin? Good news - the last scan is clean. I'd say you're all done. Well, not DONE, since now that you're a cancer survivor, that means follow up visits. I'm going to give you the name of an oncologist in St. Paul. He's a good guy. I want you to schedule a six month review with him after your move. I'm gonna miss you, Origin. You were a good patient. No, it's true, you were one of my best! You're a brave woman, Origin."

"Met someone? Origin, what do you mean you met someone? You only just got there! Well, when can I meet him? I'm coming out. What? What do you mean, 'don't come out', why shouldn't I come out to see my baby?"

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